The southern martin is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae.
Region
Southern South America
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in temperate southern South America, especially open landscapes and towns across central to southern Argentina and nearby regions. During the austral winter it migrates northward to warmer parts of South America, including the western and central Amazon basin. It favors open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural areas, river corridors, and urban settings with suitable nesting cavities. Over water bodies it frequently forms loose foraging flocks with other swallows and swifts.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The southern martin is a large swallow of southern South America that undertakes long austral migrations to warmer regions during the winter. It often nests colonially in cavities, including natural holes and human-made structures. In flight it is powerful and agile, sweeping over open country and rivers to catch insects. It can be confused with other Progne martins, but males are mostly dark glossy blue-black with cleaner white underparts in females than some similar species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight and occasional glides
Social Behavior
Often forms loose colonies for nesting, using cavities in buildings, cliffs, or trees. Roosts communally outside the breeding season and may mix with other swallows. Pairs are monogamous within a season and both sexes help provision nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of chirps, twitters, and short buzzy chatters given in flight and at colonies. Calls are sharper and more guttural than many smaller swallows.
Plumage
Males are glossy blue-black above with dark, clean underparts; females and immatures show duller upperparts with gray-washed breast and whiter belly. The tail is shallowly forked and the wings are long and pointed. Overall appearance is robust for a swallow, with a broad chest and relatively heavy head.
Diet
Feeds almost entirely on flying insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, termites, and dragonflies. Captures prey on the wing using swift, agile flight. Will forage high over open fields as well as low over water, adjusting altitude with weather and insect availability.
Preferred Environment
Commonly feeds above rivers, lakes, pasturelands, and open urban spaces where aerial insects are abundant. Frequently forages in mixed-species flocks with other swallows and swifts, especially at dusk over water.
