Northern House-martin

Delichon urbica

(D. u. meridionalis)

Armenian Name:	Քաղաքային ծիծեռնակ

See Plate 36 for Northern House-martin and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	12.5 cm, Wing Span:26-29 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 214.
Description:	Glossy blue-black head and back, black wings and tail, pure white rump and underparts, and short slightly-forked tail. Appears black and white at a distance.
Similar Species:	Differs from other swallows and martins by combination of dark upperparts, white rump, and slightly-forked tail.
Behavior:	Colonial breeder on cliffs or buildings.
Habitat:	Cliffs, human settlements.
Food:	Airborne insects.
Nest:	Mud cup lined with feathers on cliff face or under overhang of building.
Eggs:	19 mm, 3-5, white.