Swallows and Martins (Hirundinidae)

Tree Martin (Petrochelidon nigricans) - HBW 9, p. 683

French: Hirondelle des arbres German: Baumschwalbe Spanish: Golondrina Arborícola
Other common names: Australian Tree Martin

Taxonomy: Hirundo nigricans Vieillot, 1817, Hobart, Tasmania.
Genus often merged with Hirundo, but DNA studies support retention of separate taxa. Affinities of species not clear, as it differs from typical members of genus in e.g. nest structure and material. Until recently, W mainland population was placed in nominate race, but all those in Australia now thought to belong to race neglecta, differentiated from Tasmanian population. Three subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

timoriensis Sharpe, 1885 - E Lesser Sundas (Timor, probably also Flores).
neglecta Mathews, 1912 - Australia (except N and dry C areas).
nigricans (Vieillot, 1817) - Tasmania; migrates N as far as New Guinea.

Least Concern

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5 photos

An adult perching in a tree. Locality Oaklands Junction, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (ssp neglecta)
Nick Talbot 15 January 2011 2 years ago 3.6
Perched on a fence Locality Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia (ssp nigricans)
Lindsay Hansch 6 February 2007 2 years ago 3.2
An immature bird perching in a tree. Locality Oaklands Junction, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (ssp neglecta)
Nick Talbot 15 January 2011 2 years ago 3.1
Tree Martins perching with Fairy Martins in background Locality Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Geoffrey Dabb 28 October 2009 1 year ago 3
An immature bird sitting in a tree. Locality Oaklands Junction, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (ssp neglecta)
Nick Talbot 15 January 2011 2 years ago 3