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In: Sand Martin Ca: Oreneta de ribera Da: Digesvale De: Uferschwalbe Es: Avión zapador Fi: törmäpääsky Fr: Hirondelle de rivage It: Topino Nl: Oeverzwaluw No: Sandsvale Pt: Andorinha-das-barreiras Sv: Backsvala US: Bank Swallow Ru: Береговушка Bird News Extra subscribers should log in to view an enhanced species page.
IdentificationThe Sand Martin is the smallest, most lightly built, member of the martin family and the only one which doesn't build a nest. Instead, it excavates holes in sand banks, creating small, busy colonies. In Britain they are easily identified because they are the only martins which look brown in flight rather than black. They don't have the white rump of a House Martin or the long tail streamers of a Swallow. In south-western Europe they also have to be distinguished from Crag Martins which are also generally brown, but much chunkier and lack the diagnostic brown breast band of northern Sand Martins. HabitatBreeds in riverbanks, lakesides and sandpits. Usually seen over water. MigrationAll European birds winter in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal eastwards, and also east Africa south to Mozambique. This information is taken from the BirdFile on the appropriate BirdGuides DVD-ROM. As well as video and sounds, our CD- and DVD-ROMs contain additional text on Voice, Sexing, Ageing, Food, Nests and Eggs and more.
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