Sand Martin / Bank Swallow ( Riparia riparia )
Sand Martin / Bank Swallow - Sand Martin / Bank Swallow information - Sand Martin / Bank Swallow facts
The sand martin is distributed almost in every part of America. In the North America it can be found almost everywhere apart from the south-western parts. During winter the sand martins are in the South America because of the higher temperatures. They live in open country close to lakes, rivers and other stretches of water. Their nest is a hole or a tunnel in the sandbanks.
Riparia riparia is a tiny bird with a size of 11 cm (4 inches). It has got a small brown head with a tiny black bill. Its eyes are dark. The back of the body is covered by the feathers in all shades of brown. The throat, chest and the belly are white, whereas there is a brown colored band on the breasts. Sexes are alike. Small young are darker in coloration and have shorter flight feathers.
The sand martins usually lay about four eggs that are white. The eggs are carefully laid down on the feathers. When the young leave their nest they tend to stay in groups waiting for their parents to feed them. They usually eat small flying invertebrates, insects. When the offspring is in danger they produce a repetitive alarm call which makes their parents come home and protect their young.
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