- Progne dominicensis
Identification
Photographed: Arnos Vale, Tobago.
Description
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 and Taxonomy
Caribbean Martin is found from Jamaica and Hispanola 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. Caribbean Martin is monotypic.
Habitat
In Dominica primarily seen along the coast, both breeding in towns and on rocky cliffs. Elsewhere also found along freshwater bodies.
