sand martin

Riparia riparia

• The smallest of Britain’s swallow & martin family – about 12cm
  
  
• Also known as the bank swallow
   
• The topsides are brown
   
• Brown breast-band across otherwise white underparts
   
• Its flight is less graceful than the swallow-more of a flutter than a swoop 

The song is a distinctive chattering - click on the recording below to listen:

Where found

Likes sandy river banks, cliffs and gravel pits. Often seen feeding over water.
 

When to look for

• A summer visitor from March/April.
   
• Most leave in August/September.