From Opus

Revision as of 13:06, 15 February 2009

Photo by obasanmi
Photo taken: Arnos Vale, Tobago

Progne dominicensis

Identification

A large swallow of about 20 cm (8 inches) with upperparts, head and throat blue-black, sharply demarcated from white lower breast and belly. Flight-feathers and tail tend to be more black then the rest of the upperparts.

Female tends to have lighter upperpart than the male, with a brown wash.

Juveniles are almost identical to females, but if newly fledged retain a yellow side to the bill.

Distribution

Found from Jamaica and Hispaniola east and then south through the Lesser Antilles to Tobago but not Trinidad. It is mostly absent from this area during October through December, presumably migrating to South America. In January more likely to be seen in wandering flocks than at breeding location.

Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

Habitat

In Dominica primarily seen along the coast, both breeding in towns and on rocky cliffs. Elsewhere also found along freshwater bodies.

Behaviour

3-6 eggs are laid, and incubated for 15 days; the young fledge 26-27 days later.

The diet includes insects.

References

Wikipedia

External Links

• An identification essay comparing Caribbean Martin with Gray-breasted Martin