Petrochelidon nigricans
The Tree Martin, *Petrochelidon nigricans*, is a small, agile passerine belonging to the Hirundinidae family, making it a graceful relative of other swallows and martins. Measuring approximately 12-13 cm in length with a wingspan of 25-27 cm and weighing 10-15 grams, this aerial insectivore is distinguished by its glossy blue-black upperparts, contrasting pure white underparts, and a distinctive dull white rump patch that is often visible in flight, complemented by a dark head and a moderatel...
Tree Martins primarily inhabit open woodlands, eucalyptus forests, and areas near water bodies, at elevations from sea level up to around 2,000 meters, favoring locations with standing dead trees, cliffs, or human structures for nesting.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of small, flying insects, including beetles, flies, and moths, which they capture on the wing through agile aerial hawking.
Tree Martins are highly diurnal, dedicating their days to hawking for insects with incredibly graceful and acrobatic flight, often in loose, swirling flocks. Outside the breeding season, they form extensive communal roosts, sometimes numbering in the thousands, typically within dense foliage or r...
The Tree Martin boasts a broad geographical distribution across Australia, New Guinea, and Timor-Leste, encompassing three recognized subspecies. The nominate subspecies, *P. n. nigricans*, is widespread across mainland Australia, including Tasmania; northern populations are largely resident, whi...
Least Concern
- Tree Martins are one of the few swallow species that predominantly nest in tree hollows or rock crevices, rather than building exposed mud nests. - They ingeniously narrow the entrance to their chosen nest site with mud pellets, creating a small, keyhole-shaped opening to deter predators. - Des...