Progne sinaloae
The Sinaloa Martin, *Progne sinaloae*, is one of the most enigmatic and least-studied swallows in the Americas, captivating birders with its elusive nature and striking appearance. Measuring approximately 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 in) in length, this medium-sized martin exhibits a glossy blue-black plumage over its head and upperparts, shimmering with iridescent hues in good light. A distinctive dark throat and upper breast band sharply contrasts with its pure white lower breast and belly, making it ...
Found in open deciduous and pine-oak woodlands, clearings, and humid montane forests, often near rivers, cliffs, or human settlements. Primarily occurs in foothills and mid-elevations between 300-1500 meters during the breeding season.
Exclusively an aerial insectivore, consuming a variety of flying insects including flies, beetles, bees, wasps, ants, moths, and butterflies. They forage high in the sky with agile, powerful flight.
Sinaloa Martins are diurnal aerial insectivores, spending most of their active hours deftly hawking insects in open airspace. They are gregarious birds, often seen in small flocks, particularly during migration and when foraging, though detailed information on roosting habits is scarce. During th...
The Sinaloa Martin breeds primarily in the western highlands of Mexico, extending from southern Sinaloa through Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. It prefers humid foothills and mid-elevation montane forests for nesting. Following the breeding season, these birds undertak...
Least Concern
- The Sinaloa Martin is considered one of the least-known swallow species in the Americas, with much of its life history still a mystery to ornithologists. - Its pure white lower belly, sharply contrasting with its dark upperparts and breast band, is a key field mark that helps distinguish it fro...