Fairy Martin.
Photo: SG Lane Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Hirundo ariel
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Fairy Martin
Scientific name: Hirundo ariel
Family: Hirundinidae
Order: Passeriformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Fairy Martin is a small bird, with dark wings, a white underbody and a pinkish-red head. The short, slightly forked tail appears square in flight. It is gregarious, feeding in large flocks and nesting in colonies.
Similar species
The related Tree Martin, H. nigricans, has a black head and a 'dirty' white rump. Martins are generally smaller and 'dumpier' than swallows, and have a shorter, squared rather than forked tail in flight.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Fairy Martin is found across Australia.
Habitat
The Fairy Martin prefers open country near water, and is usually seen near its nest sites, in cliffs, culverts or bridges.
Seasonal movements
Seasonally migratory, moving north for winter, with some birds flying to New Guinea.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Fairy Martin feeds high in the air on flying insects, usually in large flocks.
Breeding
A colonial nester, the Fairy Martin builds bottle-shaped mudnests that are packed closely together on the ceilings of caves, and under bridges or other similar structures. Both sexes build the nest and share incubation and care of the young.
Living with us
Living with humans
The Fairy Martin readily uses artificial structures such as bridges to attach its nests to, and will also use inhabited buildings to make its nests on.
References
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.
Rowland, P. 1996. A Photographic Guide to Birds of Australia. Australian Museum/New Holland.