Congo martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Congo martin |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Hirundinidae |
| Genus: | Riparia |
| Species: |
R. congica
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| Binomial name | |
| Riparia congica (Reichenow, 1888)
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The Congo martin is a small passerine bird from the swallow family. It is also called the Congo sand martin. This bird lives only near the Congo River and its branch, the Ubangi River. It is quite common in these areas.
Congo martins like places with forests along rivers. They also need sandy banks. These sandbanks are important for building their nests. The Congo martin does not migrate, meaning it stays in the same area all year.
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What Does the Congo Martin Look Like?
The Congo martin is about 11 cm long. That's about the length of a pen. Its back is light brown. Its head and wings are a bit darker. It has a dark line that goes through its eye.
The underside of its body is white. But it has a pale brown chest. This bird does not have a clear, dark band across its chest. This is different from the sand martin. The Congo martin has a black beak and brown legs. Male and female Congo martins look very similar. Young birds have light tips on the feathers of their back, rump, and wings.
Scientists have not yet recorded the call of the Congo martin. It can be hard to tell a Congo martin from a sand martin. Sand martins visit the Congo region in winter.
What Does the Congo Martin Eat?
Congo martins eat small insects. They especially like gnats and other flies. They catch these insects while flying. They hunt over the river or in open areas nearby.
These birds often feed in small groups. They might also feed with other swallows. They are often seen with sand martins that are visiting for the winter.
Where Does the Congo Martin Live?
The Congo martin builds its nests in groups. These groups are called colonies. They nest during February and March. Each pair digs a tunnel into a sandbank. The tunnel is about 1 meter above the river. The nest itself is at the very end of this tunnel.
Not much is known about how they raise their young. But it is probably similar to how sand martins do it.
Is the Congo Martin in Danger?
The Congo martin is found in a large area. This area is about 80,000 square kilometers. There are many Congo martins in this region. Scientists believe the total number of these birds is large.
The population is not decreasing quickly. It is not declining by more than 30% over ten years. Because of this, the species is listed as "Least Concern". This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
 | Laphonza Butler |
 | Daisy Bates |
 | Elizabeth Piper Ensley |
