Sand Martin
Central Catchment Nature Reserve
23 Oct 2024


General details
Species Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Record ID 10914
Date 23 Oct 2024
Location Central Catchment Nature Reserve
Count 1 individual
Date added 25 Oct 2024

Record accepted.

Committee's view
Vote results This record was not put through an explicit vote, but the SBRC has evaluated and verified the record.
Verdict Accepted / Wild (Verifiable)

References (see all)
References eBird

Descriptions
Identification
A morning of above average migratory passage at Jelutong was interrupted by occasional showers. During one of these, we retreated to a the lower platform to get out of the rain. From here I saw an odd looking hirundine flash past. I called to shoot it, ran up to the top deck (followed by CN). From there we had OK views of an obvious Sand martin, although mostly flying away. CN did well to get some record shots that showed salient features. A pale, brownish, small hirundine. Obviously not one of the regular three swallow species, and no white rump so not a House martin. Well marked brown band across breast easy to see and diagnostic with general brown plumage tones and lack of pale rump.
Habitat/behaviour
Typical erratic martin flight (presumably going after flying insect prey). Keeping relatively low over canopy, maybe just above eye level for most of the time in view. Both upperparts and underparts seen well.
Viewing conditions
Light not great, bird very close initially but always going away. 10 x 42 binoculars.
Observer's experience
Many seen in the UK, a few locally
Observer's experience w/similar species
Most common hirundines

RECOMMENDED CITATION

Bird Society of Singapore. (2024). Record 10914: Sand Martin Riparia riparia. Retrieved November 21, 2024, from https://records.singaporebirds.com/record/10914/.

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