sand martin
Definition
- Noun:
- A small migratory bird of the swallow family: The "sand martin" is a species of bird, specifically a type of swallow, characterized by its brown upperparts, white underparts with a distinctive brown band across the chest, and a short, forked tail.
- A bird that nests in burrows: It is known for nesting in colonies, excavating tunnels in sandy or earthy banks, often near water.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We watched a flock of sand martins skimming over the river to catch insects.
- The erosion of the riverbank has destroyed many sand martin nesting sites.
Advanced Usage
- Ecological Indicator: Sand martins are sometimes studied as indicators of healthy riverbank ecosystems due to their specific nesting requirements.
- The return of sand martins to the quarry is a positive sign for the local environment.
Variants and Related Words
- Bank swallow: This is the common North American name for the same species ().
- In my field guide, the sand martin is listed as the bank swallow.
Synonyms
- Bank swallow: The primary synonym, especially in American English.
- Riparia riparia: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Related Phrases
- Sand martin colony: Refers to a group of these birds nesting together in a bank.
- A large sand martin colony has established itself in the old sand pit.
Noun
-
swallow of the northern hemisphere that nests in tunnels dug in clay or sand banks
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