The African river martin is a passerine bird, one of two members of the river martin subfamily of the swallow family, Hirundinidae. When discovered, it was not initially recognised as a swallow, and its structural differences from most of its relatives, including its stout bill and robust legs and feet, have led to its current placement in a separate subfamily shared only with the Asian white-eyed river martin. The African river martin is a large swallow, mainly black with a blue-green gloss to the head and a greener tint to the back and wings. The under-wings are brownish, the underparts are purple-black, and the flight feathers are black. This martin has red eyes, a broad orange-red bill and a black, square tail. Young birds are similar in appearance to the adults, but have browner plumage. This species has a variety of unmusical calls, and displays both in flight and on the ground, although the purpose of the terrestrial display is unknown.
Region
Congo Basin and West-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds along major lowland rivers and sandbanks within the Congo Basin, including stretches of the Congo and Ogooué river systems in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. It favors broad rivers with exposed sandy islands and bars for nesting. During the non-breeding period it occurs in coastal plains and savanna-mosaic near forest edges, where it roosts communally in trees. The species forages widely over open water and adjacent clearings, sometimes far from nesting colonies.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African river martin is one of only two species in the subfamily Pseudochelidoninae, reflecting its unusual build among swallows, with a stout bill and strong legs. It nests colonially by tunneling into sandy riverbanks on large Central African rivers. Outside the breeding season it gathers in sizable flocks and performs conspicuous aerial and occasional ground displays. Its striking red eyes and orange-red bill are distinctive in flight and at rest.
In flight
Congo River near Maluku
Breeding colony in Gabon
Adult (foreground) and juvenile
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with rapid wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially, excavating burrows in sandy riverbanks and islands. Pairs display both in the air and on the ground near colonies. Outside the breeding season it forms flocks that roost communally in trees near open habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly unmusical chatters, grating notes, and rattles. Calls are given in flight over colonies and when foraging, with more frequent chattering at roosts.
