Tree Martin

Petrochelidon nigricans (Vieillot, 1817)

Tree Martin, Petrochelidon nigricans, is a swallow of Australasia, breeding in the Lesser Sundas, Australia and Tasmania. It was described by Vieillot in 1817 and belongs to the family Hirundinidae. It is a bird of open woodland with large trees for nest holes, and it is also found more often in towns and suburbs. It is recognised by its shallowly forked tail and pale rump, which help separate it from other Australian swallows. The species is placed in Petrochelidon, though it has also been treated in Hirundo.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Hirundinidae — Swallows, Martins

Breeding range

Australasia: Lesser Sundas, Australia and Tasmania