sand martin

bird

Also known as: Riparia riparia, bank swallow

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The sand martin, also known as the bank swallow (Riparia riparia), is a small bird, measuring about 12 centimeters (5 inches) long. It is characterized by its brown and white coloring. This species breeds across the Northern Hemisphere and is notable for nesting in burrows dug into sandbanks. The sand martin belongs to the swallow family, Hirundinidae.1

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martin
The sand martin, or bank swallow (Riparia riparia), a 12-centimetre (5-inch) brown and white bird, breeds throughout the Northern Hemisphere; it makes nest burrows in sandbanks. The house martin (Delichon urbica), blue-black above and white-rumped, is common in Europe. The African river martin (Pseudochelidon eurystomina) of…
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The sand martin, or bank swallow (Riparia riparia), a 12-centimetre (5-inch) brown and white bird, breeds throughout the Northern Hemisphere; it makes nest burrows in sandbanks. The house martin (Delichon urbica), blue-black above and white-rumped, is common in Europe. The African river martin (Pseudochelidon eurystomina) of…
Read More