The Peruvian martin is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae. It is found in Peru and far northern Chile.
Region
Pacific coast of western South America
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly along the coastal deserts and river valleys of Peru, extending south into far northern Chile. It frequents open skies above towns, agricultural fields, wetlands, and coastal edges, often following river corridors inland. Colonies are associated with cliffs, bridges, and tall buildings where suitable cavities or ledges exist. Outside the breeding period it disperses widely in search of aerial insect swarms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Peruvian martin is a large swallow of the genus Progne, often seen coursing high over coastal valleys and towns. It can be tricky to distinguish from other dark Progne martins; males are glossy blue-black while females are duller with paler throats. The species often nests colonially on cliffs or in man‑made structures. Its range centers on Peru with small extensions into far northern Chile.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, agile aerialist with rapid wingbeats and frequent glides
Social Behavior
Typically forms loose flocks while foraging and often nests in small colonies on cliffs or tall structures. Pairs defend immediate nest sites but tolerate close neighbors. Roosting can be communal, especially outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives soft, chattering twitters and dry chips while in flight. Vocalizations are not musical but are used to keep contact within flocks and around colonies.
Plumage
Male is glossy blue-black overall with a slightly forked tail; female and immature are duller with sooty-brown upperparts and grayish to whitish throat and belly.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on flying insects such as flies, beetles, winged ants, and termites. Captures prey on the wing, often high over open areas or following insect swarms along rivers. Will forage over fields, wetlands, and coastal zones where updrafts concentrate insects.
Preferred Environment
Usually hunts over open country, river valleys, and urban airspace near nesting cliffs or buildings. Also forages along coastal edges where sea breezes lift insects.
