Fairly large martin with shallowly-forked tail. Adult male glossy bluish-black, very similar to male Purple Martin, but smaller with slightly longer, more forked tail. Females and juveniles are dark above with a glossy blue back. Dusky brown underparts with scaly-looking breast and sides, darker below than female Purple Martin.

Length: 18 (cm) Wingspan: 38 (cm)

Habitat:

Found in lowland marshes, scrublands, urban areas, and mountainous grasslands.

Behavior:

Gregarious; large flocks form and roost along waterways. Often seen with Gray-breasted Martin. Flies relatively high with lazy wingbeats.

Feeding:

Feeds on flying insects.