Bird
Bank Swallow
Riparia ripariaAlso known as Sand Martin
Bank Swallows are small brown-backed swallows with white underparts crossed by a distinct brown breast band. They nest colonially in horizontal burrows excavated into steep sandy or earthen banks.
swallowbank colonyaerial insectivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMidges, flies, small beetles
Predators
- falcons
- gulls
- snakes
ThreatsBank stabilization, excavation during nesting, pesticide-driven insect loss, and habitat disturbance
HabitatsRiver bluffs, eroding banks, sand pits, quarries, coasts, and nearby open feeding areas
Life spanOften three to six years, with some banded birds living longer
Classification
- FamilyHirundinidae
- SpeciesRiparia riparia
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Stay well back from nesting banks to prevent collapse and disturbance.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Note the brown breast band on a small square-tailed swallow.
- Protect: View burrow colonies from stable ground without climbing or digging.
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