What species of Martin is this?

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Seen in Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba in January.

Thanks:smile:

Jacqueline

[Colin Key]

I think it is Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) as the throat and belly are not pale enough for the other possibility, Rock Martin (P. fuligula).

Colin

[lostinjapan]

Really, I would go with Rock Martin and not Crag Martin.:smile:

Looks too overall greyish for Crag to my mind, but it has been a year since since I have seen Crag and 12 for Rock Martin so I am a little rusty without reference to books.

Sean (new member)
Hiroshima, Japan

[forktail]

here's a helpful photo from http://10000birds.com/crag-rock-martins.htm

shows the differences quite nicely... Rock (left) and Crag (right) note contrast between vent and underparts in each

F

[AndyB]

Great link Forktail. Charlie always has insightful material. Jacqueline's bird does look like Rock Martin with the more uniform underparts.

[Jacqueline Burrell]

Thanks for the terrific link and the ID.

Jacqueline:smile:

[macrourus]

ROCK indeed, one of the guys with darker undertail coverts than many of them...
and less scaly too but yet Rock.
________
Blondibondar Live (http://camslivesexy.com/cam/blondibondar)