Brown-Throated Martin
Riparia paludicola
Also known as: Plain Martin, African Plain Martin, African Sand Martin
Habitat
Mid-canopy
Diet
Invertebrate
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
14 g
About This Species
A small, gregarious swallow found over rivers, lakes and wetlands across much of sub-Saharan Africa, hawking insects low over open water in loose flocks and often mixing with other swallow and martin species. It nests colonially, excavating burrows in sandy or earthen riverbanks and cliff faces, and can be locally abundant near suitable water bodies. Watching over open water at dusk, when insect activity peaks, usually gives the best flight views.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- View nesting colonies from a distance rather than approaching riverbank burrows directly, since disturbance at the entrance can cause birds to abandon nests, especially early in the breeding cycle.
- Wildlife protection legislation varies across its many range countries in sub-Saharan Africa, so check local rules before visiting a known colony.
- Avoid disturbing riverbank vegetation or sediment near active burrows, which can also destabilise the nest structure itself.
Seasonal Activity
170,134 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
Traits
- Diet
- Invertebrate
- Foraging
- Mid-canopy
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 14 g
Photo
(c) Michael McSweeney, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Michael McSweeney
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.