Hirundo ariel

List of Fact Sheets | Glossary

Search | Back Home

Family

Hirundinidae

Genus

Hirundo

Species

ariel

Common Names

Fairy Martin, Bottle Swallow, Cliff Swallow

Distinguishing Features

This small 12cm species has a tiny body with long tail and wing feathers. Its head is a cinnamon colour, with a little dark eye and a tiny dark bill. Its shoulder area is glossy blue-black with brown wings and tail feathers. The rump and underparts are white, with fine dark streaks across the neck. When watching the bird in flight from below, the tail looks square and the bird appears a creamy-brown colour. Young birds are duller.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A feeble, twittering song or an abrupt contact 'drrt, drrit' call.

Similar Species

The Tree Martin (Hirundo nigricans) is very similar in shape and size, with a glossy blue head and darker streaks on the light cheeks and underparts.

Distribution

Fairly Martins are found across Australia in fairly low numbers, with none found in the most arid areas or along the west coast of TAS. In winter months it can be found in Papua New Guinea.

Country of Origin

Australia

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

There has been a significant fall in population numbers, as it was always uncommon and is now extremely rare (Veerman).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

One bird was seen on the ANU campus.

Associated vegetation community

Open country, with rock cliffs or caves is preferable, including woodland, grassland or eucalypt forest.

Limiting Resources

This speices needs to be close to a relaible water source and prefers open country.

Breeding

Fairly Martins breed throughout the year, usually from June to December. Breeding pairs build a very recognisable bottle shaped mud nests attached under bridges, rock ledges or in shallow caves. In areas where the breeding colony consists of many birds, the nests may be built on top of one another, with only the entrance hole visible. A clutch size is 4-5 birds, hatching from their white, brown-speckled eggs after 14-16 days of incubation.

Behaviour

This species is active and dependant on one-another, feeding and nesting in large groups or colonies. In breeding months, the colonies are very loud, with up to hundreds of birds calling, beginning before dawn. Their flight is fairly slow and fluttering. They visit the Canberra region in the summer months.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

Fairy Martins feed from large swarms of insects while in flight. They feed in large groups and high in the air.

Predators

Feral or domestic Cats (Felis catus) will hunt this small bird. Due to any shortage of nesting space, sparrows, pardalotes and Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) will destroy their nests.

Interesting Fact

Often the nest will be the only clue to show that Fairy Martins have been in the area, as they are fairly shy and inconspicuous to humans.