Cuban Martin

The Cuban martin (Progne cryptoleuca) is a strikingly large swallow, native to the island of Cuba. With a length of 18.5 cm and a weight of around 40 grams, it boasts a forked tail and relatively broad wings. The adult males are particularly resplendent, cloaked in a glossy blue-black plumage with a stark contrast provided by their white lower underparts. Females and juveniles, while still impressive, present a more subdued appearance with grey-brown breasts and flanks, complemented by white lower underparts.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the adult male Cuban martin from its close relative, the adult male Caribbean martin, is a matter of observing the belly; the Cuban counterpart lacks the prominent white patch found on the Caribbean martin. However, females and immature birds of both species are more challenging to differentiate. When comparing the Cuban martin to the Purple martin, adult males are nearly indistinguishable in the field, while the scaly breast pattern of adult female and immature Purple martins can serve as a distinguishing feature.

Habitat

The Cuban martin is known to nest in a variety of cavities, whether they be in banks, buildings, or repurposed woodpecker holes. In urban areas, they often utilize man-made structures, while in rural settings, they may prefer holes in coconut trees.

Distribution

Endemic to Cuba and Isla de la Juventud, the Cuban martin is a non-migratory species, unlike the migratory Purple and Caribbean martins that only visit the Cuban martin's range during the winter months. There have been rare reports of vagrant Cuban martins in Florida.

Behaviour

These gregarious birds are often seen hunting insects in flight, sometimes forming large flocks that can number up to 20 individuals. They may also join mixed-species flocks. In urban areas, they face competition for nesting cavities from house sparrows, while in rural locales, this competition is less pronounced.

Song & Calls

The Cuban martin communicates with a distinctive gurgly "chew-chew" call, which can be heard during their aerial insect hunts or while perched in their communal roosts.

Breeding

The breeding habits of the Cuban martin involve laying a clutch of 3-6 eggs in a lined nest within their chosen cavity. These eggs are incubated for approximately 15 days, followed by a fledging period of 26-27 days.

Similar Species

The Cuban martin is similar in appearance to the Caribbean martin and the Purple martin, with the latter being nearly identical in adult males, and distinguishable by the scaly breast pattern in females and immatures.

Diet and Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, the Cuban martin captures its prey on the wing, demonstrating remarkable aerial agility as it feeds on flying insects.

Conservation status

The Cuban martin is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.