Banded Martin
NameBanded Martin
Common NameBanded Martin
Scientific NameRiparia cincta
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)33
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dull brown, including the crown, back, and wings. Underparts are white with a prominent dark brown band across the chest. It has a white throat and a subtle white supercilium (eyebrow stripe). The tail is slightly forked.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations typically consist of soft, buzzing 'tzzzz' or 'chrrrp' calls, often uttered while in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread resident and intra-African migrant across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesProminent dark brown breast band, White throat and belly, Dull brown upperparts, White supercilium
Description
The Banded Martin is a medium-sized swallow with a distinctive dark breast band. It is an agile aerial insectivore, often seen gracefully flying over open habitats in search of prey.
