Eurasian Crag Martin

Ptyonoprogne rupestris

This drab grey-brown martin gives itself away in flight by small white spots in the tail that flash when it is fanned. It fixes its open cup nest of mud pellets in a sheltered spot beneath rock overhangs or eaves.

Group
Swallows & Swifts
Photos
1
Taken
2025

Profile: Eurasian Crag Martin

Family
Swallows and martins (Hirundinidae)
Size
approx. 14–15 cm
Wingspan
approx. 32–34.5 cm
Weight
approx. 23 g
Habitat
Sunny cliffs, gorges and steep slopes in the mountains, increasingly also buildings, bridges and dams.
Diet
Flying insects, caught in agile flight close along rock faces.
When to see
Mostly a short-distance migrant: present in the Alps from about March to October, wintering mainly in the Mediterranean region and North Africa, a few also in the southern Alps.

Learn more: Wikipedia · NABU (German)