A strange one????

[FUDGEY]

Took this pic yesterday near a Sand martin colony. It was amongst other Juv Sand Martins and was getting fed by an adult Sand Martin. I never payed any attention to any of the other chicks and Im pretty confused at the red on this ones throat. Is this normal or is there any chance cross breeding has occured with a Swallow?

[Jonners]

Looks like a young swallow to me.

[FUDGEY]

It was in the middle of open country, no Swallows near by and was being fed by a Sand Marting though? Apart from the reddish throat I think it looks like a Martin??? Like I said, strange one.

[nigel_b]

Is that some sort of growth over the left eye?

[FUDGEY]

It looks like a Tic Nigel, heres another shot and it looks like one on its right eye too?

[Jason Green]

Morning Fudgey,

Just had to say these are great images, the gape always looks so cute! The one where he's looking straight at the camera - is that a yellow handle-bar moustache at all?

I agree, pretty Swallow-ish in appearance. That said, I'm not too up on these so will stand aside.

Take care,

Jason

[cara pace]

Great pics! Does look like a little swallow.

The thing above it's eye looks like a louse fly. Horrible little blood sucking things

[Jonathan]

Anyone else think the vertical band down the breast is unusual for a juv swallow? But not for a sand martin? Seems to have a pale collar rather than just throat as in swallow, and the tail-streamers seem short, even for juv swallow. Could it be a hybrid?

Cheers
Jonathan

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by Jonathan

Anyone else think the vertical band down the breast is unusual for a juv swallow? But not for a sand martin? Seems to have a pale collar rather than just throat as in swallow, and the tail-streamers seem short, even for juv swallow. Could it be a hybrid?

Can the two hybridise then? As I said, I'm not knowledgeable on these - but it sounds like an explanation.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Can the two hybridise then? As I said, I'm not knowledgeable on these - but it sounds like an explanation.

I know there are instances of Swallow x House Martin, but haven't heard of crosses with Sand Martin.