Sand Martins from Kazakstan, 2008

Eurasian and Plain Sand Martins are now quite often treated as separate species. They seem to breed sympatrically in southern Kazakstan. The breeding subspecies is nominate in both species.

(1.) Two Plain Sand Martins (Riparia diluta). 29 May Karaoy, Almaty Province.

(2.) Plain Sand Martin. The same as the right bird in photo (1). 29 May Karaoy, Almaty Province.

(3.) Plain Sand Martin. 29 May Karaoy, Almaty Province.

(4.) Plain Sand Martin. 25 May Kolshengel, Almaty Province.

(5.) Eurasian Sand Martin (Riparia riparia). 25 May Lake Sorbulak, Almaty Province. This and the following photos are taken close of a breeding colony.

(6.) Eurasian Sand Martin. 25 May Lake Sorbulak, Almaty Province.

(7.) Eurasian Sand Martin. 25 May Lake Sorbulak, Almaty Province.

(8.) Eurasian Sand Martin. 25 May Lake Sorbulak, Almaty Province

(9.) Eurasian Sand Martin. 25 May Lake Sorbulak, Almaty Province

Literature about Sand Martins of Asia:

Loskot, V.M. Systematic notes on Asian birds. 61. New data on taxonomy and nomenclature of the Common Sand Martin Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758) and the Pale Sand Martin R. diluta (Sharpe & Wyatt, 1893).Zool. Med. Leiden 80-5 (13).