Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)

Identification & Behavior: ~17.5 cm (6.8 cm). The Gray-breasted Martin has glossy blue-black upperparts. Amazonian birds have the throat and breast blackish sharply set off to light gray or whitish towards the rest of the underparts. Birds in northwest Peru have dull gray throat and breast. It forages over a variety of habitats. In northwest Peru, it is common in urban areas. It is similar to the Brown-chested Martin but is distinguished by glossy blue-black upperparts and blackish or light gray underparts.

Status: The Gray-breasted Martin is uncommon and widespread in Amazonia where it is known to range up to 1000 m along the foothill of the Andes. It is also common in northwest Peru. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Martín de Pecho Gris.

Sub-species: Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea chalybea), (J. F. Gmelin), 1789.

Meaning of Name: Progne: Gr.Progne or Procne= daughter of King Pandion of Athens and wife to King Tereus of Thrace. chalybea: L. khalubeios, khalubos= steel, steely. chalybeius= steely.

See more of the Family Hirundinidae