Neophedina cincta
Banded Martins prefer open habitats, such as grassveld, marshlands and the fynbos shrublands. They visit South Africa during our spring and summer, arriving from about September to breed and then departing again by May to their overwintering areas in central Africa. They feed on flying insects caught in flight and are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Banded Martins nest in tunnels that they dig in aardvark burrows, stream banks or eroded gullies. Both parents care for the 2-4 chicks, which leave the nest when they’re about 3 weeks old.
In South Africa Banded Martins are commonly found on our central highlands, with a smaller concentration occurring in the Western Cape and scattered records from elsewhere. Depending on the season they roam over most of sub-Saharan Africa. The IUCN lists the Banded Martin as being of least concern and note that their population is probably increasing due to agricultural practices opening up more areas for them to utilise.
DeWetsWild 