Fairy Martin

Petrochelidon ariel (Gould, 1842)

Fairy Martin, Petrochelidon ariel, is a swallow of Australia, breeding across most of the country apart from Tasmania and the south-east. In the non-breeding season, southern populations move north. It is a bird of open country close to water, and it is often found around nesting places on cliffs, in culverts or under bridges. A pale rump sets it apart from other Australian swallows. It is also known for nesting in colonies, with mud-built nests placed in natural hollows or in man-made structures, and for gathering in large flocks.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Hirundinidae — Swallows, Martins

Breeding range

Australasia: Australia (except Tasmania, se Australia)

Nonbreeding range

s populations move n