Sunday 7 June 2015

Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)

OTHER NAMES: Crag Martin
Latin Etymology: Ptyonoprogne ("fan swallow") rupestris ("rock dwelling/montane")
Adult Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupetris) on the nest at Patones, Spain - June 2015

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 23g  /  Length: 14-15cm  /  Wingspan: 32-34cm
ABSENT FROM UK IUCN Red List: Least Concern  

The Crag Martin is the most limited distribution of all the Martins found in Europe and the most specialized in habitat - only found on rock faces in Mediterranean countries.  Compared to the other two species it it browner  and without the clean white paneling that Sand and House Martins have.  Like the House Martin, they construct mud and spit nests on sheltered vertical faces,  Unlike the other two though, the European population is resident, staying in it's Southern European range throughout the year.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
Genus: Ptyonoprogne
Subspecies: None - monotypic

- Sighting Locations -
ITALY - Italian - Rondine montana ("mountain swallow")
A scarce resident
 - SICILY 2018 TRIP -  A few at Aci Castello.
SPAIN - Spanish - AviĆ³n roquero ("Rock Martin")
Locally common resident.
 - MADRID 2015 TRIP: Common at Patones - a number of individuals seen, including some visibly nesting.
 - MADRID 2016 TRIP: Common at Monfrague National Park - individuals seen throughout.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red ListRSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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