Sand Martin
Scientific Name: Riparia dilutaMaltese Name: Hawwiefa tax-Xtut
Family: Martins and Swallows(Hirundinidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Sand Martin is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. The 12 cm long Sand Martin is brown above, white below with a narrow brown band on the breast. Its brown back, white throat, small size and quick jerky flight separate it at once from similar swallows, such as the House Martin. The scientific name means "of the riverbank"; it is derived from the Latin ripa "riverbank". The food consists of small insects mostly flies. The Sand Martin is sociable in its nesting habits; from a dozen to many hundred pairs will nest close together in sanbanks. The nests are at the end of tunnels of from a few inches to three or four feet in length, bored in sand or gravel.
Status:
Common migrant, passing in large numbers, especially in Spring.
When to See:
March to May in Spring and late August to late October in Autumn.
Where to See:
May be seen everywhere. Roost in large numbers in places with reeds along with Swallows.
Photographs:
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Sand Martin, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Sand Martin, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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