From Opus

Progne cryptoleuca

[edit] Identification

Adult male cannot reliably be distinguished from Purple Martin except in the hand: both are bluish purple overall, but Cuban Martin has concealed white feathers on the belly. Female shows white belly and abdomen that contrasts sharply with brown in breast and sides.

[edit] Distribution

Found on Cuba including surrounding smaller islands during the breeding season (February through October); believed to migrate to South America in non-breeding season. Accidental vagrant to Florida with 1 nineteenth century record.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.
Sometimes thought to be a subspecies of Caribbean Martin.

[edit] Habitat

Widespread. Mostly nests colonially, and mostly in cavities, natural or manmade.

[edit] Behaviour

It nests in cavities or old woodpecker holes. 3-6 eggs are laid and incubated for 15 days; the young fledge 26-27 later.

The diet includes insects which are hawked aerially.

[edit] Vocalisation

Call: chew-chew.

[edit] References

Wikipedia

[edit] External Links