Sand Martin

Riparia riparia

(R. r. riparia)

Armenian Name:	Առափնյա ծիծեռնակ

See Plate 36 for Sand Martin and other similar species

Resident Status:	Breeding bird
Abundance:	Common
Length:	12 cm, Wing Span:26.5-29 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 211.
Adult:	Brown above, white below with brown breast band and moderately-forked tail.
Juvenile:	Narrow whitish feather edges on back and upperwings; speckled breast band.
Similar Species:	Differs from other swallows and martins by smaller size, brown breast band, and short dark tail.
Behavior:	Agile fluttering flight; flies with quick wingbeats low over water surface. In flight, gives short series of buzzing notes.
Habitat:	Near ponds, lakes, rivers.
Food:	Airborne insects.
Nest:	Colonial; burrow in sand or soft earthen bank with nest of grasses, plant fibers, and feathers.
Eggs:	18 mm, 4-5, white.