Sinaloa Martin
Progne sinaloae
Large swallow; very local summer resident in mountains of northwest Mexico. Favors open pine-oak forest, usually with big dead pine snags and cliffs, where nests in cavities. Ranges widely in highlands and foothills, coming to drink at ponds and lakes. Usually seen as singles or small groups, which may associate with other swallows. Male blue-black overall with contrasting white belly. Female similar to several other martins, but clean white belly contrasts more strongly with dark breast.
Identification
Adult males have dark iridescent blue-black feathers with a contrasting white patch covering the belly to the vent, much like the related Caribbean martin. However, its reproductive situation and different habitat preference supports its status as a species.<p>The adult female and immature form of the Sinaloa martin are very similar to related Progne species such as the Cuban martin, Caribbean martin, and purple martin.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Progne sinaloae
- Authority
- Nelson, 1898
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Hirundinidae
- Genus
- Progne
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Halmahera Oriole
Oriolus phaeochromus
A nondescript, uniformly earth-brown medium-sized bird with a stout bill. Sexes alike. Singles and pairs can be found in the upper levels of forest, forest edge, mangroves, and nearby cultivated areas in lowlands and foothills. Sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Differs from the similarly dark brown White-streaked Friarbird in its consistently uniform appearance, lacking any streaking or pale markings on the head. Gives a rollicking, fluty call, “ke-ke-KWEEOW.” First two notes can be barely audible, but last note powerful and loud.
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