The grey-breasted martin is a large swallow from Central and South America.
Region
Central and South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America, including the Amazon Basin, Guianas, and parts of the Andes foothills. It favors open areas near water, city plazas, farmland, and forest edges. The species commonly associates with rivers and lakes where flying insects are abundant. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes and often breeds in towns and small cities.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-breasted martin is a large swallow of towns, rivers, and open country across much of Central and South America. It readily nests in natural cavities and human-made structures like bridges and drainpipes. Often seen in loose flocks, it hunts insects on the wing and may gather in sizable communal roosts. Its tolerance of human presence has helped it expand in some urban areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast and agile with short rapid wingbeats and gliding swoops
Social Behavior
Often forms loose colonies or small groups, especially around nest sites on buildings, bridges, or tree cavities. Nests are placed in cavities including natural holes, old woodpecker holes, and human-made pipes. Pairs are generally monogamous during the breeding season, and post-breeding roosts can be communal.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of harsh chatters, chips, and twitters delivered in flight or while perched near nests. Songs are simple and buzzy, interspersed with conversational chatter within groups.
Plumage
Glossy blue-black upperparts with a pale to gray breast that contrasts with a white lower belly and undertail. Throat is whitish, merging into a gray breast band; underparts otherwise clean and smooth. Tail is slightly forked and wings are long and pointed.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as flies, beetles, winged ants, termites, and wasps. It captures prey in sustained aerial foraging, often over water or open fields. Occasionally it sallies from perches and may forage higher in the air during insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Most frequently forages above rivers, lakes, and wetlands where emergent insects are abundant. Also hunts over open urban spaces, agricultural fields, and along forest edges and clearings.
