Banded martin

The banded martin, also known as the banded sand martin, is a small and charming member of the swallow family (Hirundinidae) native to Africa. This species was first described in 1780 by Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon. Later, in 1817, Johann Reinhold Forster introduced its scientific genus, Riparia. There are five subspecies of the banded martin, each found in various regions of Africa.

What distinguishes the banded martin is its distinctive appearance: it has earth-brown upper parts, white underparts, a dark band across its breast, and a square-shaped tail. It is somewhat larger compared to other birds in the Riparia genus. These martins are often seen in pairs or small flocks, flying over open areas such as farmland, grasslands, and savannahs, usually near water. Some populations migrate northward during the winter.

The banded martin has a unique flight style—slow and somewhat erratic. They feed on insects, which they catch in flight over grasslands. Unlike many of their relatives, banded martins do not nest in colonies. Instead, they dig tunnels in sandbanks or earth mounds to create their nests. Both parents take turns incubating the white eggs in these tunnels.

To identify this bird by sound, listen for its flight call, which sounds like "che-che-che" or its song, a mix of "chip choop" notes.