Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans)
Tree Martin

Tree Martin

Petrochelidon nigricans

The tree martin, scientifically known as Petrochelidon nigricans, is a captivating member of the swallow family. This petite bird, averaging 13 cm in length, boasts an iridescent blue back and crown, complemented by brown wings and tail. A distinctive rufous forehead and a contrasting whitish rump complete its striking appearance. The underparts are a pristine white. Both sexes share a similar plumage, though juveniles present a duller aspect with a paler forehead and pale fringes to their back and wing feathers.

Identification Tips

When observing these agile fliers, look for their shallowly forked tail and the pale rump that sets them apart from other Australian swallows. The tree martin's vocalizations include a 'tsweet' call and a high-pitched twittering song. The most similar species, the fairy martin, can be differentiated by its rufous head and nape.

Habitat

Tree martins favor open woodlands, particularly those with large trees that offer suitable nest holes. Their adaptability is evident as they become increasingly common in urban and suburban environments.

Distribution

The tree martin breeds predominantly in Australia, mainly south of latitude 20°S, and on Timor island. It is migratory, spending winters across much of Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia east of the Wallace Line, and the Solomon Islands. Occasionally, it appears as a vagrant in New Zealand, where it has bred, and in New Caledonia.

Behaviour

These birds exhibit a fast, twisting flight and typically feed at heights exceeding 6 meters above the ground. They are often seen above the canopy of tall eucalyptus trees or swooping low over water to catch aerial insects. Outside the breeding season, tree martins can be highly sociable, forming mixed flocks with fairy martins.

Song & Calls

The tree martin communicates with a 'tsweet' call and engages in a high-pitched twittering song, adding a melodious backdrop to their habitats.

Breeding

Breeding season varies by region, occurring from July to January. Tree martins may breed in pairs or semi-colonially, depending on the availability of nesting sites. They utilize natural cavities in dead trees or rock crevices and are increasingly using artificial structures such as bridge supports and buildings. In some areas, they may even take over and reline the nests of welcome swallows. Their nests are often constructed from grass and leaves, sometimes fortified with mud, and the entrance may be narrowed with a mud and plant fiber mixture. Clutches typically consist of 3-5 eggs, which are white with brown and mauve spots, and the species is known to be double-brooded.

Similar Species

The fairy martin is the species most similar in appearance to the tree martin, but it can be distinguished by its rufous head and nape.

Diet and Feeding

Tree martins are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of aerial insects. They display a preference for hunting above the tree canopy or over water bodies.

Conservation status

The tree martin is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline or habitat loss.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Tree Martins on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Swallows, Martins

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Nick S
Work together with community
Been loving using this app to log my bird sightings and work together with community members to identify different birds. I've already learned a lot since I started about a month ago!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Patricia L
Very encouraging birding app
Easy to use, fun to see progress and encouraging to receive feedback from other users.
Alex J
Friendly and helps to identify birds
Great birding app, good for logging your sightings, also has nice species guide. I'm enjoying the social aspect more than I expected, everyone seems friendly and helps to identify unknown birds. Good mix of newbies and experienced users.
Nedz53
Really useful
Downloaded to give it a try, everything worked perfectly, recorded my first bird watching walk. Very impressed. Have already recommended to friends!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Amylia S
Best app for any birding person!
I love this app!! I am so addicted to it when I saw it had 3 star review I was so sad! The app is awesome!! The best app for any birding person! ❤️
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.