Pale-footed Swallow
NamePale-footed Swallow
Common NameMascarene Martin
Scientific NamePhedina borbonica
FamilyHirundinidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsDark sooty-brown upperparts, including the crown and back. White throat, often with fine dark streaking. A broad, pale brownish-orange or buffy breast band, heavily streaked with dark brown. White belly and undertail coverts, also streaked. Dark wings and tail.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of chirps, twitters, and harsh notes, often described as a 'churr' or 'tseep' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban, coastal, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Mascarene Islands (Réunion and Mauritius) and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
Identifying Featuresdark cap, white throat, streaked buffy breast band, streaked white belly, dark upperparts, pale feet
Description
A small, stocky swallow with dark brown upperparts, a white throat, and a distinctive streaked buffy breast band. It is an aerial insectivore, often seen foraging over open areas and nesting in cliffs or caves.
