flying on a rainy day; plain brown upperparts (Norway; 2009-05-24)


Sand Martin (or Bank Swallow)
Riparia riparia

Native Range: worldwide

Notes: a brown-backed swallow with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution; dark brown breast band is diagnostic; nests in holes in steep banks along rivers and other riparian zones (hence the bird's Lain name).

creamy white underparts; dark brown breast band (Norway; 2009-05-24)
strong and elegant flyers always near water (Norway; 2009-05-24)

long pointed wings; moderately notched tail (Norway; 2009-05-24)
brown breast band; moderately notched tail (Poland; 2012-05-24)

stretching; brown breast band; long wings (Poland; 2012-05-24)