Nepal House MartinDelichonnipalense

Etymology:

• Delichon : Anagram of Genus Chelidon( Greek wordkhelidonforswallow.)for Martins
• Nipalense: From Nepal

Vernacular Names:Cachar: Beredao, Nepal: Inrui bi

 Distribution in India: Resident of Himalayas and North-east  in India.

Description:

Size of 11·5–12·5cm; Wt. of 14–16 g. The male has glossy blue crown and back, blue on side of head extending well below eye; the rumpis white, uppertail-coverts are white with dark bands. The wings and tail are brownish-black, tail is square-ended. The chin and upper throat are black, lower throat to abdomenis white, undertail-covertsare black. The legs are with white feathering and underwing-coverts are dark grey-brown. The female is greyer below than male. Juvenile is duller, with less black on throat and buffy in underparts.

Habitat:

It is found in valleys and mountain ridges, open areas with cliffs; also around villages. It is found from 300 to 4000 m. It breedsfrom 1000–4000 m.

Foodhabits:

It eats flies. It feeds in flocks, sometimes with other swallows and swifts, and often high up; flight a mix of gliding and swooping. It often forages along cliffs and over treetops.

Breeding habits:

Mar–Sept in India.It is double-brooded. It is a colonial breeder.The nest is built by both sexes, enclosed and with small entrance hole. The nest is made of mud pellets, lined with grass and feathers; attached to cliff face, usually under overhanging surface. The nestis often used for roosting throughout year. It lays a clutch of 3–4 eggs. The incubation and brood-feeding isdone by both sexes.