# Eurasian Crag-Martin (*Ptyonoprogne rupestris*) The Eurasian Crag-Martin is a small, swift bird that loves to fly around rocky cliffs and buildings. It has a beautiful brown and white body and is known for its acrobatic flying skills. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Eurasian Crag-Martin](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ptyonoprogne_rupestris_-Europe-8.jpg&width=800) Photo: Martien Brand, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ptyonoprogne_rupestris_-Europe-8.jpg) ## Appearance The Eurasian Crag-Martin is a small, dusty grey-brown bird with a paler throat and chest, and distinctive white spots visible on its fanned tail. It has broad, pointed wings that help it glide gracefully, making it visually distinct from darker swallows. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Hirundinidae - **Genus:** Ptyonoprogne ## Interesting facts - Eurasian Crag-Martins gather in huge groups to roost on cliffs at night! - Their sturdy mud nests are sometimes reused by other birds in later years! - These clever birds often nest on human-made structures like bridges and dams! - They drink by skimming low over water, scooping sips while flying! ## Special abilities - **Cliff Climber:** Eurasian Crag-Martins can cling to vertical rock faces and ledges using tiny, sharp claws for nesting and perching. - **Acrobatic Hunter:** Eurasian Crag-Martins catch fast-moving insects in mid-air thanks to their agile, maneuvering flight and wide gape. - **Thermal Soarer:** Eurasian Crag-Martins use rising air currents (thermals) to save energy during long flights and migrations. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 13-15 cm - **Wingspan:** 32-34 cm - **Weight:** 0.018-0.028 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-5 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-5 - **Incubation:** 13-17 days - **Migration Distance:** 5000 km ## Diet & Feeding These speedy fliers expertly catch tiny insects right out of the air for their meals. - **Primary Foods:** Flies, Mosquitoes, Beetles, Moths, Lacewings - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Peregrine Falcon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/peregrine-falcon) (*Falco peregrinus*) — A top aerial predator of adult birds. - **Eaten by:** [Eurasian Sparrowhawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-sparrowhawk) (*Accipiter nisus*) — A nimble hunter that ambushes small birds. - **Eats:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — A common flying insect they actively hunt. - **Eats:** Common Mosquito (*Culex pipiens*) — A widespread insect providing a food source. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Watch these birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Eurasian Crag-Martin? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Eurasian Crag-Martin? 13-15 cm ### What is Eurasian Crag-Martin's wingspan? 32-34 cm ### How much does Eurasian Crag-Martin weigh? 0.018-0.028 kg ### How long does Eurasian Crag-Martin live? 3-5 years ### How fast can Eurasian Crag-Martin move? 60 km/h ### What does Eurasian Crag-Martin eat? These speedy fliers expertly catch tiny insects right out of the air for their meals. ### Where is Eurasian Crag-Martin usually found? Mountain regions ## Where to spot - [Montserrat Mountain Natural Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/montserrat-mountain-natural-park) — Cataluña, ES · Park - [Tabernas Desert Natural Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tabernas-desert-natural-area) — Mainland, ES · Park ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Eurasian Crag-Martin: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eurasian-crag-martin)