top of page

Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

A large swallow of tropical lowlands. Fairly common in towns, villages, open and semi-open country with taller trees and other structures that provide nest cavities. Adult males are a glossy blue-black with the grey-brown throat, breast and sides contrasting with the white lower underparts. Females are duller than the male. They hunt for insects in flight.

Gray-breasted Martin

Progne chalybea

Diet

  • Primarily flying insects, including flies, beetles, ants, termites, wasps, bees, dragonflies, and other aerial arthropods.

  • Feeds almost entirely on insects caught in flight, often high above open areas or water.

  • Frequently forages in flocks, especially during migration and periods of abundant insect activity.

Range

  • Found from northeastern Mexico through Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America to northern Argentina.

  • In Mexico, it occurs along both the Pacific and Gulf slopes, including the Zihuatanejo region, where it is a common year-round resident.

  • Inhabits open woodland, forest edges, rivers, wetlands, agricultural land, towns, parks, gardens, and coastal areas, usually near open spaces suitable for aerial feeding.

Male / Female

  • Male: Glossy steel-blue upperparts, pale gray breast fading to a whitish belly, blackish wings and tail, and a slightly forked tail. Slightly larger and glossier than the female.

  • Female: Similar overall appearance but generally duller, with less iridescent upperparts and a browner wash on the breast.

  • Juveniles: Brownish-gray above with paler underparts and little or no iridescent sheen.

  • Sexes are similar, but males are typically more glossy and slightly larger.

Size

  • Length: 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in)

  • Wingspan: 34–38 cm (13.4–15.0 in)

  • Weight: 32–45 g (1.1–1.6 oz)

bottom of page