Sand martin

Riparia riparia
Swallows (Hirundinidae)

CC-BY 2.0 rights : Stefan Berndtsson

Small swallow with grey-brown back and white belly with a darker breast stripe. The tail is slightly V-shaped and the wings reach the tail end. 

Always found near water. Breeds in colonies in burrows in sandy banks, sometimes together with the Bee-eater.  

⇔ l. 11-12 cm

Smallest swallow of Europe.

LA:
≈ The DELICHON URBICA (House martin) has a darker back and a lighter belly. 
≈ The PTYONOPROGNE RUPESTRIS (Crag martin) is larger with a light coloured breast and can be found in southern mountain ranges.

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