About Riparia paludicola (Vieillot, 1817)
This species, the brown-throated martin, has the scientific name Riparia paludicola (Vieillot, 1817). Adults measure 12 cm in length. They are brown on their upper bodies, and white or pale brown on their lower bodies. Unlike the sand martin, this species does not have a narrow brown band across the breast. Its bill is black, and its legs are brown. Male and female brown-throated martins have similar plumage. Juveniles have pale-colored tips on the feathers of their rump and wings. When in flight, the brown-throated martin produces a continuous twittering song. After the birds have settled into their roost, this song becomes a quiet conversational undertone. The species also has a harsh alarm call. The brown-throated martin has a wide distribution across Africa. It is a partially migratory species, meaning some of its populations carry out seasonal movements. As indicated by its specific epithet paludicola, this species is usually closely associated with water. The brown-throated martin feeds on small insects, primarily gnats and other types of flies whose immature stages develop in water.
