The large rock martin, also known as the southern crag-martin, is a small passerine bird in the swallow family that is resident in southern Africa. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the red-throated rock martin. It breeds mainly in the mountains, but also at lower altitudes, especially in rocky areas and around towns, and, unlike most swallows, it is often found far from water. It is 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in) long, with mainly brown plumage, paler-toned on the upper breast and underwing coverts, and with white "windows" on the spread tail in flight. The sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles have pale fringes to the upperparts and flight feathers. The former northern subspecies are smaller, paler, and whiter-throated than southern African forms, and are now usually split as a separate species, the pale crag martin. The large rock martin hunts along cliff faces for flying insects using a slow flight with much gliding. Its call is a soft twitter.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in rocky landscapes, mountain ranges, escarpments, and arid to semi-arid regions, and readily exploits human structures such as bridges, quarries, and buildings for nesting. Breeds mainly in mountainous terrain but also at lower elevations wherever suitable cliffs, gorges, or ledges exist. Often forages along cliff faces and over open country, including towns and farmlands. Unlike many swallows, it is not tied to water bodies and may be encountered far from rivers or lakes.
Altitude Range
0–3200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The large rock martin, or southern crag-martin, is a non-migratory swallow of southern Africa that often nests on cliffs and buildings. Unlike many swallows, it is frequently found far from water and hunts along rock faces using unhurried, buoyant flight with frequent glides. White 'windows' in the tail are conspicuous in flight and aid identification. Northern, paler forms are now generally treated as a separate species, the pale crag martin.
P. f. pretoriae in flight
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, shallow wingbeats with frequent gliding
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups, especially near cliffs and human structures. Pairs nest on sheltered ledges or under overhangs, often on buildings, constructing open cup nests of mud pellets lined with grass and feathers. They may reuse or augment old nests and can breed in small colonies where sites are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and unobtrusive, consisting of gentle twittering notes given in flight or near the nest. Calls are thin and high, often a subdued chatter when interacting with mates or neighbors.
