>> GENERAL >>>>>
– tiny Martin, noticably smaller than Sand Martin
– African species, breeding population in WP restricted to Morocco
– inner African migrant, probably diurnal
>> VISUAL ID >>>>>
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola mauritanica, 1CY
BIF3125, 31/12/2012, Merga Zerdja, Morocco, Mathias Putze
– distinctly smaller and shorter-winged than Sand Martin
– diffusely grey-brown head throat and flanks dissolving into white belly and vent -> lacks a well defined dark band at the breast
– pale fringed uppertail coverts enable aging as 1CY
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola mauritanica
BIF3126, 31/12/2012, Merga Zerdja, Morocco, Mathias Putze
– the back is slightly paler than the warmer dark brown, fairly uniform wings
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola mauritanica
BIF3127, 31/12/2012, Merga Zerdja, Morocco, Mathias Putze
– rather unicoloured underwing
– depending on lighting it may seem to feature a diffuse breast band but never as dark and contrasting as in Sand Martin
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola mauritanica
BIF3128, 31/12/2012, Merga Zerdja, Morocco, Mathias Putze
– the tail is only slightly notched
>> ACOUSTIC ID >>>>>
calls in flight not yet sound recorded
>> COMPARISON SPECIES >>>>>
Sand Martin (v)
Pale Crag Martin (v)
Eurasian Crag Martin (v)
Common House Martin (v)
Barn Swallow (v)
Red-rumped Swallow (v)
Little Swift (v)
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