Sand Martin

(Riparia riparia)

Alert Status: Green – 48% increase

Identifying Features: Sand martins are the smallest European hirundines (martins and swallows), with dark brown upper parts and dark under wings contrasting with otherwise pale under parts divided by a distinctive dark chest bar. Agile fliers, feeding mainly over water, they will perch on overhead wires or branches
Average Length: 12 cm
Average Lifespan: 2 years
Average Wingspan: 26 -29 cm
 

Beak type: Insects
 

Feeding:
Natural: Invertebrates, taken on the wing.
 

Nesting: Sand Martins nest in colonies, burrowing into banks, quarries and cliffs, and usually near water. Both sexes construct the nest burrow and line the nest chamber with plant material and feathers.
 

Where to see: Sand Martins are found along rivers and other water bodies throughout the UK. Also found around man-made gravel pits where artificial nesting banks are sometimes provided.