Progne dominicensis
Caribbean martin

Caribbean martins are found in Mexico, the West Indies, and Cuba. There is also some speculation that they spend their winters in South America. (Flieg and Sander, 2000)

These birds live near bodies of water or along shorelines, in urban areas, open land and near cliffs. The presence of water is crucial as it ensures the existence of insects, their primary food source. (Nature Serve, 2003; Raffaele et al., 1998)

Both male and female Caribbean martins have a distinct dark blue (almost purple) color on the upper/back parts of their body and a white belly. The trait that distinguishes males from females is the abrupt change in color. Males have a distinct line that separates the blue from the white, while females have brown feathers that gradually blend into the white. These brown feathers are also apparent in juvenile martins (Raffaele et al., 1998). Caribbean martins have small black beaks and long pointed wings (Downer, 1990). Progne dominicensis grow to be about 17 to 20 cm long. (Downer, 1990; Raffaele et al., 1998)

No information has been reported about the lifespan of Progne dominicensis.

Progne dominicensis are said to migrate longitudinally. After spending the winter months in South America they migrate to the West Indies in the spring. This pattern seems to be directly related to the breeding season (Downer, 1990). They are very social birds, and are often seen flying in groups or perched on telephone wires (Raffaele et al., 1998). (Downer, 1990; Raffaele et al., 1998)

Home Range

We do not have information on home range for this species at this time.

Calling is the primary way members of this species communicate with one another. Caribbean martin calls are described as a "gurgling," a "liquid ‘chileet, chur-chur, chi-chi-chiwee’," or a "high twick-twick" sound. (Downer, 1990; Raffaele et al., 1998)

These birds forage for flying insects while in flight. Caribbean martins will also follow cattle to catch the insects that the cows flush. Caribbean martins eat: flies (order Diptera), dragonflies (order Odonata), butterflies (order Lepidoptera), flying ants (order Hymenoptera), June bugs and many additional species. (Flieg and Sander, 2000)

The introduction of mammalian predators is a serious threat to the avifauna of the West Indies. Caribbean martins, who nest near the ground, are very susceptible to nest predation. The mongoose (Family Herpestidae) has been the most detrimental predator to the birds of Jamaica. Rats (Rattus norvegicus) and pigs (Family Suidae) are among other known predators. (Raffaele et al., 1998)

It is said that if birds and other insectivores were non-existent, the world would be covered with insects! Caribbean martins help to regulate insect populations on the islands. (Jamaica Sustainable Development Networking Programme, 2001)

There are no known adverse affects of Caribbean martins on humans.

Caribbean martins and all of the birds that make up the Jamaican avifauna are extremely important to the island’s habitat and are also important to Jamaica’s tourism industry. Beautiful gardens and bird watching parks are great tourist attractions. Caribbean martins also help keep the insect population in control. (Downer, 1990)

Habitat destruction is the single most important threat to all birds in the West Indies. In Jamaica, the number of coffee plantations has dramatically increased. Illegal drug harvesting also plays a role in the high deforestation rates. Although laws have been made to protect these lands, the enforcement of these laws is practically non-existent. The illegal bird trade also has a negative affect on the bird population. Although all Jamaican birds and their eggs are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act (1974) and all types of hunting, gaming, and domestication are strictly prohibited in the West Indies, many lawbreakers go unnoticed (Downer, 1990). Caribbean martins are also protected by the US MBTA.

Another recent threat, is an introduced nest parasite, shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis), which affect many land birds in Jamaica. (Rafaelle et al., 1998) (Downer, 1990; Raffaele et al., 1998)