Spot the rock martin as it takes flight
Did you know the rock martin, also known as Ptyonoprogne fuligula belongs to the swallow family?
THE rock martin is a common resident found throughout South Africa, with some altitudinal movement to lower elevations in winter. They like rocky cliffs, gorges, quarries and buildings from highveld to sea level. Their food is aerial arthropods.
They are usually solitary or in pairs, sometimes in loose pods when not breeding. They are often seen in the company of other swallows, usually not far from cliffs, gorges and tall buildings.
These martins have a slow leisurely flight and cruise easily at 80 km/h, often perching on rock and window ledges. The voice is a high pitched short “wik”. Breeding takes place from August to April with two to three broods per season. The nest is a neat half cup of mud pellets lined with grass and feathers, against bridges, culverts and rock faces usually two metres above ground. ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti bird rehabilitator discourages feeding of wild birds Two to three speckled white eggs are laid. Incubation is 16 to 17 days and the nestling period is 25 to 30 days. Feeding of the young is done by both parents. The isiZulu name is iNhlolamvula and in Afrikaans die kranzswael. DID YOU KNOW? Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047. The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – why not join us there? Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. (Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
