Mascarene Martin
NameMascarene Martin
Common NameMascarene Martin
Scientific NamePhedina borbonica
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)29
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsThe upperparts are uniformly dark sooty brown. The underparts are white to pale grey, heavily streaked with dark brown, especially on the breast and flanks. The throat is typically paler and less streaked. It possesses a small, dark bill and dark legs.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, churring 'chrr-chrr' call and a more complex twittering song, often delivered in flight or from a perch.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, wetland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean, specifically found on Mauritius and Réunion.
Identifying FeaturesHeavily streaked white underparts, Dark sooty brown upperparts, Small size, Short, slightly forked tail, Aerial foraging flight
Description
The Mascarene Martin is a small, dark brown swallow-like bird characterized by its heavily streaked underparts. It is an aerial insectivore, frequently observed foraging over open country, wetlands, and near human settlements.
