Crag Martin
Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Crag Martin is a small, compact swallow with a brownish-grey upper body and slightly paler underparts. Its tail is square-ended with distinctive white spots on the inner webs of all but the central and outermost tail feathers.
Both sexes look alike, with juveniles closely resembling adults but showing slightly paler edges to their wing coverts.
Size
Length
14cm to 15cm
Wingspan
32cm to 34cm
Weight
20g to 32g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Crag Martins inhabit rocky areas, including mountain cliffs, gorges, and coastal regions across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They have adapted well to urban environments, often nesting on buildings and bridges.
While primarily resident in warmer parts of their range, northern populations migrate south for winter. They are rare summer visitors in the UK, occasionally breeding on southern coastal cliffs.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Crag Martin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Crag Martin displays exceptional agility, being an adept aerial acrobat capable of swift, precise movements. Its ability to swoop and glide along cliff faces and catch insects mid-flight demonstrates remarkable manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong compared to larger birds, the Crag Martin possesses adequate strength for its size. It can carry mud and other materials for nest building and is capable of long-distance flights during migration.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Crag Martins show high adaptability, thriving in various habitats from sea level to 4,500 metres. Their successful colonisation of urban environments, using buildings for nesting, further exemplifies their adaptable nature.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally non-aggressive, Crag Martins are social birds that nest in small colonies. They may display mild territorial behaviour during breeding season, but are not known for marked aggression.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
These birds demonstrate considerable endurance, capable of long migratory journeys and sustained aerial feeding at high altitudes. Their ability to forage at up to 3000 metres and navigate diverse climatic conditions indicates robust endurance.
Diet
Crag Martins are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. They catch their prey in flight, often foraging at higher altitudes than other swallow species. During colder weather, they may glean insects from rock surfaces or vegetation.
Behaviour
Crag Martins are agile flyers, often seen swooping and gliding along cliff faces and around buildings. They frequently engage in aerial feeding, catching insects on the wing. These birds are generally social, nesting in small colonies and sometimes forming mixed flocks with other swallow species during migration or winter.
Vocalisation
The Crag Martin's call is a soft, musical twitter, often described as 'prrt-prrt' or 'tser-tser'. During courtship or when defending territory, they produce a more rapid series of notes. Their calls are typically given in flight and are less strident than those of other swallow species.
Nesting & Breeding
Crag Martin breeding season typically begins in April and can extend into August. Pairs often return to the same nesting site year after year, forming small colonies.
The nest is a quarter-sphere of mud pellets mixed with grass and feathers, usually built on a sheltered cliff ledge or under the eaves of buildings. The female lays 3-5 white eggs with brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days. The young fledge after 24-27 days but may return to the nest to roost for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Crag Martin is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population appears stable across much of its range, benefiting from human structures for nesting. However, local declines may occur due to habitat loss or climate change impacts on insect populations, their primary food source.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Crag Martins near rocky cliffs, gorges, and tall buildings
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: swift with frequent glides
- Listen for their soft, twittering calls during flight
- Check for white spots on the tail when the bird is perched or in flight
- In the UK, search for them at coastal cliffs in southern England during the summer months
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Snakes and small mammals may also prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Crag Martins can fly at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters while foraging.
- They often reuse and repair their nests from previous years.
- Crag Martins have been observed nesting inside caves in some areas.
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Ptyonoprogne rupestris (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22712216A118840565.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
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