Rock Martin
Ptyonoprogne fuligula
Cliffs. Dark brown, broad-winged; paler below; tail square with white ‘windows’.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. A stocky martin, told in flight by broad wings and white ‘windows’ in fanned tail. Utters a melodious twitter. Pairs and small flocks frequent rocky cliffs, bridges, dam walls and tall buildings, often associating with other swallows and swifts. Has adapted well to cities and towns, and often abundant around skyscrapers. The flight is slow, with much gliding, twisting and turning.
Quick Facts
Size
15 cm - S
Names
A: Kransswael
Z: iNhlolamvula
Ss: Lekabelane-La-Mawa
G: Felsenschwalbe, Steinschwalbe
Bird Family
The name martin is loosely applied to certain close relatives of swallows, particularly species of the genus *Riparia* and their allies. Generally, with the exception of the House Martin, martins have brown plumage and square tails, and while some martins build typical swallow-type mud nests, most breed in holes in cliffs or banks.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs and small 'flocks' frequent rocky cliffs, bridges, dam walls and tall buildings, often associating with other swallows and swifts.
