About the Asian House Martin
The Asian house martin is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family Hirundinidae. It has mainly blue-black upperparts, other than its white rump, and has pale grey underparts. Its three subspecies breed in the Himalayas and in central and eastern Asia, and spend the winter lower in the mountains or in Southeast Asia. This species is locally abundant and is expanding northward in Siberia, so there are no concerns about its conservation status.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The adult Asian house martin of the nominate subspecies is 12 cm (4.7 in) long, dark steel blue above with a contrasting white rump, grey-washed white underparts, and a slightly forked tail. The tail and upperwings are brownish-black, and the underwings are grey-brown. The legs and feet are brownish-pink and covered with white feathers, the eyes are brown, and the bill is black. There are few differences in appearance between the sexes, although the male is somewhat whiter below than the female, especially in fresh plumage.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Asian House Martin lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Bangladesh, North Korea.
When to see the Asian House Martin
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Nepal House MartinDelichon nipalenseThe adult Nepal house martin is 13 cm (5.1 in) long, mainly blue-black above and white below.
Western House MartinDelichon urbicumThe adult western house martin is 13 cm (5 in) long, with a wingspan of 26–29 cm (10–11+1⁄2 in) and a weight averaging 18.3 g (21⁄32 oz).
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