Fairy Martin

Petrochelidon ariel

Birdsville Caravan Park, FSW Qld IMG_5134 20200915

 Notes: Small dumpy swallow w. iridescent blue back; brown wings & notched tail; a rufous crown
& nape; a whitish rump. The underparts are dull white. Young birds are duller, browner, w. a
paler forehead & pale fringes to the back & wing feathers. Cf the larger Tree Martin. Call a dry
buzzing "frrrtt," very different from twittering of Tree Martin. Unique "bottle" nests constructed of
mud & usually found under building eves, bridges, culverts & cliffs.

Range from Morcombe & Stewart©