Caribbean Martin
A species of New world martins Scientific name : Progne dominicensis Genus : New world martins
Caribbean Martin, A species of New world martins
Botanical name: Progne dominicensis
Genus: New world martins
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jbroadhead , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Adult Caribbean martins are 18.5 cm in length, with a forked tail and relatively broad wings, and weigh 40 g. Adult males are a glossy blue-black with contrasting white lower underparts. Females and juveniles are duller than the male, with grey-brown breast and flanks and white lower underparts. 
Size
19 cm
Nest Placement
Cavity
Feeding Habits
Caribbean Martin consumes a variety of insects, including wasps, flies, bugs, beetles, crickets, dragonflies, and termites. Caribbean Martin's foraging method typically involves aerial hunting. Caribbean Martin exhibits a preference for certain prey, showcasing unique dietary adaptations.
Habitat
Caribbean Martin predominantly inhabits open to moderately open spaces at lower elevations, frequently spotted around sea coasts, freshwater sources, wetlands, cliffs, and urbanized areas such as towns. They are adaptable birds that nest in cliff cavities or manmade structures. While often coastal, they can occasionally be found at altitudes up to 1,900 meters, in montane forest regions. Large flocks have been observed foraging around high-elevation lakes. Urban centers and industrial buildings may serve as roosting sites for these martins.
Dite type
Insectivorous
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
The Caribbean martin nests in cavities in banks and buildings, or old woodpecker holes. 3-6 eggs are laid in the lined nest, and incubated for 15 days, with another 26-27 to fledging. Just as the purple martin, this species may compete with other passerines for nesting cavities. In particular, the main foe is the house sparrow [1] in urban areas, where they mostly use man-made structures, whereas in more rural locations Picidae holes in coconut trees are favored, and there is less competition with the sparrows. Caribbean martins are gregarious birds which hunt for insects in flight. Their call is a gurgly chew-chew.
Distribution Area
It breeds throughout the Caribbean, except on Cuba and Isla de la Juventud, where it is replaced by the related Cuban martin (P. cryptoleuca). It is closely related to the aformentioned species, as well as the Sinaloa martin (P. sinaloae) to which it used to be considered conspecific. There are sight records from mainland Central and South America, and most birds appear to migrate to the South American mainland. A single bird was recorded in Key West, Florida, on May 9, 1895 (AOU 2000).
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Swallows Genus
New world martins Species
Caribbean Martin 
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