Gray-breasted Martin
Encyclopedia
The Gray-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea, is a large swallow.
The nominate race P. c. chalybea breeds from Mexico
through Central America
south to central Brazil
, and on Trinidad
. P. c. macrorhamphus breeds further south in South America
to central Argentina
. The southern subspecies migrate
s north as far as Venezuela
during the southern hemisphere’s winter, and the nominate form also undertakes local movements after the breeding season.
The Gray-breasted Martin nests in cavities in banks and buildings, or old woodpecker
holes. 2-4 eggs are laid in the lined nest, and incubated for 15–16 days, with another 22 to fledging.
Adult Gray-breasted Martins are 18 cm in length, with a forked tail and relatively broad wings, and weigh 39g. Adult males are a glossy blue-black with the grey-brown throat, breast and sides contrasting with the white lower underparts. Females are duller than the male, and juveniles have dull brown upperparts.
Gray-breasted Martins are gregarious birds which hunt for insect
s in flight. Their call is a gurgly chew-chew, similar to that of the closely related Caribbean Martin
. The latter species is slightly larger, and has more contrasting underparts.
The nominate race P. c. chalybea breeds from Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
through Central America
Central America
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast. When considered part of the unified continental model, it is considered a subcontinent...
south to central Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, and on Trinidad
Trinidad
Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two major islands and numerous landforms which make up the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the southernmost island in the Caribbean and lies just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. With an area of it is also the fifth largest in...
. P. c. macrorhamphus breeds further south in South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
to central Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. The southern subspecies migrate
Bird migration
Bird migration is the regular seasonal journey undertaken by many species of birds. Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather. Sometimes, journeys are not termed "true migration" because they are irregular or in only one direction...
s north as far as Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
during the southern hemisphere’s winter, and the nominate form also undertakes local movements after the breeding season.
The Gray-breasted Martin nests in cavities in banks and buildings, or old woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They are one subfamily in the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets and wrynecks. They are found worldwide and include about 180 species....
holes. 2-4 eggs are laid in the lined nest, and incubated for 15–16 days, with another 22 to fledging.
Adult Gray-breasted Martins are 18 cm in length, with a forked tail and relatively broad wings, and weigh 39g. Adult males are a glossy blue-black with the grey-brown throat, breast and sides contrasting with the white lower underparts. Females are duller than the male, and juveniles have dull brown upperparts.
Gray-breasted Martins are gregarious birds which hunt for insect
Insect
Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...
s in flight. Their call is a gurgly chew-chew, similar to that of the closely related Caribbean Martin
Caribbean Martin
The Caribbean Martin or White-bellied Martin, Progne dominicensis, is a large swallow.It breeds on Caribbean islands from Jamaica east to Tobago. It is closely related to 2 species to which it formerly was considered conspecific-P. sinaloae and P. cryptoleuca...
. The latter species is slightly larger, and has more contrasting underparts.