Species Profile
Crag Martin
Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
4–8 years
Length
14–15 cm
Weight
20–32 g
Wingspan
32–34 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Eurasian Crag Martin
Think you've spotted a Crag Martin?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Crag Martin is a small, compact swallow with a brownish-grey upper body and slightly paler underparts. Its tail is square-ended with distinctive white spots on the inner webs of all but the central and outermost tail feathers.
Both sexes look alike, with juveniles closely resembling adults but showing slightly paler edges to their wing coverts.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Crag Martins inhabit rocky areas, including mountain cliffs, gorges, and coastal regions across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. They have adapted well to urban environments, often nesting on buildings and bridges.
While primarily resident in warmer parts of their range, northern populations migrate south for winter. They are rare summer visitors in the UK, occasionally breeding on southern coastal cliffs.
Distribution
Diet
Crag Martins are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. They catch their prey in flight, often foraging at higher altitudes than other swallow species. During colder weather, they may glean insects from rock surfaces or vegetation.
Behaviour
Crag Martins are agile flyers, often seen swooping and gliding along cliff faces and around buildings. They frequently engage in aerial feeding, catching insects on the wing. These birds are generally social, nesting in small colonies and sometimes forming mixed flocks with other swallow species during migration or winter.
Calls & Sounds
The Crag Martin's call is a soft, musical twitter, often described as 'prrt-prrt' or 'tser-tser'. During courtship or when defending territory, they produce a more rapid series of notes. Their calls are typically given in flight and are less strident than those of other swallow species.
Nesting & Breeding
Crag Martin breeding season typically begins in April and can extend into August. Pairs often return to the same nesting site year after year, forming small colonies.
The nest is a quarter-sphere of mud pellets mixed with grass and feathers, usually built on a sheltered cliff ledge or under the eaves of buildings. The female lays 3-5 white eggs with brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14 days. The young fledge after 24-27 days but may return to the nest to roost for several weeks after fledging.
Conservation
The Crag Martin is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its population appears stable across much of its range, benefiting from human structures for nesting. However, local declines may occur due to habitat loss or climate change impacts on insect populations, their primary food source.
Elevation
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Snakes and small mammals may also prey on eggs and nestlings.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Crag Martins near rocky cliffs, gorges, and tall buildings
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: swift with frequent glides
- Listen for their soft, twittering calls during flight
- Check for white spots on the tail when the bird is perched or in flight
- In the UK, search for them at coastal cliffs in southern England during the summer months
Did You Know?
- Crag Martins can fly at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters while foraging.
- They often reuse and repair their nests from previous years.
- Crag Martins have been observed nesting inside caves in some areas.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Crag Martin
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species