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Overview
Tree martin

Tree martin

Wikipedia

The tree martin is a member of the swallow family of passerine birds. It breeds in Australia, mostly south of latitude 20°S, and on Timor island. It is migratory, wintering through most of Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia east of the Wallace Line, and the Solomon Islands. It is a vagrant to New Zealand, where it has bred, and New Caledonia. This species is frequently placed in the genus Hirundo as Hirundo nigricans.

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Distribution

Region

Australasia

Typical Environment

Breeds across much of southern Australia and on Timor, using open woodlands, forest edges, farmland, coastal cliffs, and towns. In the non‑breeding season it ranges widely through northern and interior Australia, New Guinea, eastern Indonesia east of the Wallace Line, and the Solomon Islands. It readily exploits human structures for roosting and nesting where suitable cavities or ledges exist. Vagrants occasionally reach New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size12–15 cm
Wing Span27–32 cm
Male Weight0.014 kg
Female Weight0.013 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The tree martin is an agile aerial insectivore that often hunts high over open country and water. Unlike the closely related fairy martin, it frequently nests in natural tree hollows and crevices, as well as in man‑made structures. It breeds mainly in southern Australia and Timor, then disperses northward in the non‑breeding season to New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and the Solomon Islands. It is an occasional vagrant to New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Gallery

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Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with frequent glides; agile aerial flier

Social Behavior

Often forms loose flocks outside the breeding season and roosts communally. Breeds in pairs or small colonies, placing nests in tree hollows, cliff crevices, or under bridges and eaves. Both sexes contribute to nest maintenance and care of the young.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Soft, twittering series of high chips and trills, given in flight and at rest. Calls are thin and buzzy, used to maintain contact within foraging flocks and at colonies.

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