Pale Martin Riparia diluta
Etymology:
- Riparia : Latin word for river –dwelling derived from ripa- river-bank.
- Diluta : latin word for Weak, Dilute derive from diluere to dilute
- Indica : From India
Vernacular Names: Mar: Fikkat Pankoli
Distribution:
- Nominate – Winters North West India
- d. indica – Resident of North West India
Description: It has a size of 12 cm.
The nominate is pale grey, brown above, remiges and rectrices are darker brown, tail shallowly forked; underparts are dingy white, weakly defined pale brown breastband; underwing is brown; hind tarsus feathered. Both sexes are alike.
The juvenile has pale feather edges on upperparts. Races separated by size. The race indica is small
Habitat: It is found in open country, often near water; in arid steppe. It is found up to 4500 m in Himalayas. It roosts in reedbeds.
Food habits: It eats insects & spiders . It forages in groups, and mixes with other martins and swifts. The flight is fast and fluttery , with shallow, rapid wingbeats.
Breeding habits: They breed in Nov–Ma. They are found in small colonies. They nest in burrow in bank, along stream or river, at lake or in road cutting. The nest is made of grass and feathers at end of burrow. They lay a clutch of 3 or 4 eggs. The incubation is done by both parents for 15 days. The fledging period is 23 days.