Ptyonoprogne
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 Crag Martin
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P. rupestris |
Ptyonoprogne is a genus of small passerine birds in the swallow family. It contains three species, which, in taxonomic order, are:
- Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
- Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
- Dusky Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne concolor
These are species of craggy mountainous habitats, although all three will also frequent human habitation. The African Rock Martin and the south Asian Dusky Crag Martin are resident, but the Crag Martin is a partial migrant; birds breeding in southern Europe are largely resident, but some northern breeders and most Asian birds are migratory, wintering in north Africa or India.
The three Ptyonoprogne species are small swallows with brown upperparts, paler underparts without a breast band, and a square tail with white patches. They can be distinguished on size, the colour shade of the upperparts and underparts, and minor plumage details like throat colour. They resemble the Sand Martin, but are darker below, and lack a breast band.
These martins are similar in habits and appearance to other aerial insectivores, The flight is fast and agile, and they swoop on the insects on which they feed while airborne. The broad pointed wings and white "windows" on the spread tail are easily seen on the flying bird.
These species build neat nests lined with mud collected in their beaks. They nest under cliff overhangs or in crevices in their mountain homes, but have readily adapted to the artificial cliffs provided by buildings and motorway bridges. They do not normally form large breeding colonies, but are gregarious outside the breeding season.
[edit] Taxonomic notes
These three species have formerly been considered conspecific. The genus Ptyonoprogne is often subsumed into the larger swallow genus Hirundo.
[edit] References
- Turner, Angela K; Rose, Chris (1989). A handbook to the swallows and martins of the world. Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7470-3202-5.
