Grey-throated Martin
GREY-THROATED MARTIN
Riparia chinensis
Family Hirundinidae
L 100 mm (4")
resident, uncommon
Bird # 462- June 2014
This is called Plain Martin Riparia paludicola in the Kennedy Guide. It was split in the 2013 WBCP Checklist which is based on the IOC list. The subspecies tantilla is resident in the Philippines.
According to the Kenndy guide, this is the smallest Philippine swallow. It has a slightly forked tail and greyish-brown throat. It is described as nesting in colonies, along rivers and lakes, excavating cavities in banks. The locals mentioned that in the past they would collect the eggs from the nesting holes.
We saw many Grey-throated Martins flying past the nesting holes, but we were not able to observe any of them perched by the holes or entering the holes. We saw Eurasian Tree Sparrows and Blue-tailed Bee Eaters perched on the nesting holes. We were told by the locals that the Martins roost in a different area.
Read MoreRiparia chinensis
Family Hirundinidae
L 100 mm (4")
resident, uncommon
Bird # 462- June 2014
This is called Plain Martin Riparia paludicola in the Kennedy Guide. It was split in the 2013 WBCP Checklist which is based on the IOC list. The subspecies tantilla is resident in the Philippines.
According to the Kenndy guide, this is the smallest Philippine swallow. It has a slightly forked tail and greyish-brown throat. It is described as nesting in colonies, along rivers and lakes, excavating cavities in banks. The locals mentioned that in the past they would collect the eggs from the nesting holes.
We saw many Grey-throated Martins flying past the nesting holes, but we were not able to observe any of them perched by the holes or entering the holes. We saw Eurasian Tree Sparrows and Blue-tailed Bee Eaters perched on the nesting holes. We were told by the locals that the Martins roost in a different area.
