Grey-breasted Martin

The Grey-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea, presents itself as a large and elegant swallow, native to the vast expanses of Central and South America. This bird is easily recognized by its glossy blue-black plumage and contrasting grey-brown throat and breast, which set against the white of its lower underparts. The males exhibit a more pronounced glossiness, while the females and juveniles are somewhat duller, with the latter sporting brown upperparts.

Identification Tips

When observing the Grey-breasted Martin, look for a bird measuring between 16 to 18 centimeters in length, with a weight range of 33 to 50 grams. Its tail is forked, and its wings are relatively broad. The adult male is distinguished by its glossy blue-black coloration and grey-brown throat, whereas the female is paler, particularly around the throat area.

Habitat

This species is known to inhabit a variety of environments, often seen gracefully soaring in the skies above open areas.

Distribution

The Grey-breasted Martin breeds from Mexico through Central America to central Brazil, and is also found on Trinidad. The subspecies P. c. warneri resides in western Mexico, while P. c. macrorhamphus breeds further south in South America to central Argentina. During the southern hemisphere's winter, the southern subspecies migrates north as far as Venezuela, and the nominate form may also undertake local movements post-breeding season.

Behaviour

These martins are sociable creatures, often seen in groups. They are cavity nesters, utilizing spaces in banks, buildings, or old woodpecker holes to lay their eggs. After a gestation period of 15 to 16 days, the young take approximately 22 days to fledge.

Song & Calls

The call of the Grey-breasted Martin is a distinctive gurgly chew-chew, reminiscent of the closely related Caribbean martin's vocalizations.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Grey-breasted Martin nests in cavities, where it lays two to four eggs in a lined nest. The incubation period lasts for about 15 to 16 days, followed by a fledging period of 22 days.

Similar Species

The Caribbean martin is a similar species, albeit slightly larger and with more contrasting underparts.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Grey-breasted Martin consists primarily of insects, which they catch in flight, demonstrating their aerial agility.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Grey-breasted Martin as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.