How to identify martins and swallows
5 minute read
This ID guide is for the Fairy Martin, Tree Martin, Welcome Swallow and White-backed Swallow.
Fairy Martin
A small bird with a cinnamon coloured head and a white rump.
Its call is a dry buzzing "frrrtt", which is very different from twittering of Tree Martin.
Found across Australia and also known as the Bottle Swallow.
Tree Martin
A small bird with blue-black head and back, chestnut patch above its bill and dark streaks on throat and around neck. It has a pale streaked rump.
Call is a more of a twittering sound, unlike the harsh call of Fairy Martin.
Found across Australia, including urban areas.
Welcome Swallow
A small bird with a blue-back head, rusty tan face, throat and upper breast, and long forked tail. Perches on fences and wires in large numbers. Call is a combination of twittering and soft warbling, with a sharp whistle in alarm.
This swallow is most widspread across Australia.
White-backed Swallow
Different from the others, with its black and white appearance. Look out for its white back, white crown, white upper breast and strongly forked tail with long outer tail feathers.
Lives in arid areas of Australia.
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