Sand Martin
Riparia riparia
Length 12cm

Following a catastrophic decline in numbers, attributed to drought conditions in African wintering grounds, species is beginning to return to its former population level. A widespread and fairly common summer migrant to most parts of Britain and Ireland except most N and W Scottish Isles. Often one of the first spring migrants to arrive, with small numbers appearing in March, and one of the last to leave, October sightings on coasts in S not being uncommon. Recognised in flight by its sandy-brown upperparts and white underparts with brown breast-band; tail short and slightly forked. Juvenile has pale margins to feathers on back giving scaly appearance. Breeds colonially, birds excavating nest burrow in sandy bank of river or pit. Usually seen feeding around lakes and reservoirs, hawking for insects low over the water, sometimes even picking them from the surface. In autumn, often gathers in large numbers over freshwater lakes and lagoons in S, feeding on insects prior to long autumn migration S.