Welcome Swallow? Fairy Martin? Please help with ID's

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Chris F
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Welcome Swallow? Fairy Martin? Please help with ID's

Hi everyone

I'd like some help with these photos, all taken in Victoria Point, Qld.

The first I am fairly sure is a Welcome Swallow, colour, markings, sitting posture all match with my book,

" Fleurieu Birds" by Peter Gower (South Australian photographer)  I picked this book up while in Goolwa SA at Christmas time. It covers local and migratory birds on the peninsula south of Adelaide, and right across the Coorong National Park.

The second photo I'm not so sure about - I believe these are Fairy Martins. We have had these particular birds build nests which are the distinctive bottle shape mud nests Peter mentions in the book. The birds seem to sit differently on the wire than the first bird.

My confusion is caused by the variations in colours between the three birds in the second picture.

Or do we have all three birds, Welcome Swallows, Fairy Martins and Tree Martins?

Any assistance appreciated

Thanks

Chris

darinnightowl
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in 2nd photo two birds together are WS  

the other one looks like a FM

in first photo its a WS

See it!  Hear it!

Mid-North Coast NSW

Araminta
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I'm with Darin on that oneyes

M-L

Owen1
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I reckon the bird on top in 2nd image is a Tree Martin as it has a darker head.

Cheers, Owen.

pacman
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+1 Tree Martin

Peter

Chris F
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Thanks everyone.

So Peter, are you saying that you agree with Owen that the bird on the top wire in the second photo is a Tree Martin?

I'm leaning in that direction myself because of the dark head. As far as I know the Fairy Marten has a rufous head?

chris

pacman
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yes

but pic not good enough for certainty

Peter

darinnightowl
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yes Peter photo is not the best , plus i have never seen a tree martin perched on wires before.

See it!  Hear it!

Mid-North Coast NSW

pacman
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Darin - good point, I think that I have a TM on wire pic from Coraki, I will check tonight

Peter

pacman
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Tree Martin on wire from Coraki, NSW on 18/2/11   

I hope that you like how it has it's head down so that you can see the colour of the cap                                                                

Darin you should get out morewink

Peter

dna1972
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Agree with Tree Martin. It seems to lack the rufous cap of Fairy. I've seen them perch on anything.

Chris F
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Thanks guys

Great info.

Cheers

Chris

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