PLATE 70: MARTINS & SWALLOWS
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
12–13 cm
ID Distinguishable from other brown Mongolian swallows by sharply defined dark breast-band and by habitat; compare Pale Martin. Voice A dry chrrr chrrr flight call. Habitat Nests in sandy banks of rivers and lakes, but occurs countrywide, including arid steppe and desert, on migration. Behaviour Breeds in dense colonies, excavating its own nesting tunnels in sand banks and sand quarries. Status Locally common breeding visitor across northern Mongolia where suitable nesting habitat exists and uncommon passage migrant throughout, late April to late August. [Alt: Common Sand Martin, Bank Swallow]
Pale Martin Riparia diluta
11–13 cm
ID Distinguished from very similar Sand Martin by paler and greyer upperparts, dingier underparts and diffuse breast-band. Juv has pale feather fringes on upperparts. Voice Toneless hard twittering and a brief ret or brret. Habitat As Sand Martin. Behaviour Nests colonially in sandy banks near lake and river shores. Roosts in reedbeds and on artificial structures near water. Status Uncommon breeding visitor and very uncommon passage migrant with confirmed records from Lake Khar-Us, Khovd province, Ulz and Khalkh river valleys, Dornod province, Lake Khunt, Bulgan province and Tuul river valley in central Mongolia. The species may be overlooked because of its similarity to Sand Martin, especially where the two species co-occur. Presumably present late April to late August. Taxonomy Considered to be a subspecies of Sand Martin R. r. diluta by BirdLife International and other authorities. [Alt: Pale Sand Martin]
Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
14–15 cm
ID When perched, best distinguished from Mongolia’s two other brown swallows by finely streaked throat and generally darker (‘dirty’) underparts with no trace of breast-band. However, best recognised in flight by white spots near end of frequently fanned tail, and by contrasting blackish underwing-coverts. Habitat also different. Voice Calls are various chips and chirrs; also a note described as finch-like or lark-like. Song a soft rapid twittering. Habitat Breeds on rocky cliffs in high mountains, especially deep gorges; rarely on buildings or in walls. Behaviour Builds a half cup of mud attached to rock faces in caves and crevices. Flight heavier and more direct, less fluttering, than other hirundines. Habitually patrols the edges of ravines, but also feeds on insects at height. Status Locally common breeding visitor throughout Altai mountain range, including Mongol and Gobi-Altai and Khangai, and uncommon passage migrant through breeding areas, Hentii and Gobi, early May to late August.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
17–21 cm
ID Could be confused with Red-rumped Swallow, which also has glossy blue-black upperparts and long forked tail. However, readily distinguished by dark throat, unstreaked breast and belly, and absence of reddish rump. Juv is duller and paler on forehead, throat and underparts. Two distinct subspecies occur in Mongolia: H. r. tytleri has deep rufous breast; H. r. rustica has a whitish breast. Voice Song is a pleasant, rapid twittering; in alarm, gives a sharp vit or veet. Habitat Nests on artificial structures such as bridges and interiors of unused buildings in all open habitats. Behaviour Builds an open cup nest of mud mixed with straw or other plant material. Frequently flies very close to the ground, often feasting on insects around livestock herds. Status Common breeding visitor and passage migrant throughout Mongolia, late April to late August (early September in the Gobi).
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
14–19 cm
ID Distinguished from similar Barn Swallow by rusty face and collar; pale throat; buffy, streaked breast and belly; black undertail-coverts; and reddish rump. Juv is duller and browner than adult, with paler collar and rump, and shorter tail-feathers. Voice Song resembles Barn Swallow, but less sweet and lower-pitched; alarm call a rolling kiiir. Habitat Open areas near cliffs, riverbanks and human habitation. Behaviour Builds a closed nest of mud and plant material with an entrance tunnel, and attaches it to natural or artificial ledges. Status Rare breeding visitor in western Hövsgöl province and eastern Dornod and uncommon passage migrant through breeding range and southward, late April to late August.
