Madagascar Martin Riparia cowani

Small, very plain brown swallow with a white belly. Found in a variety of open habitats, including marshes, rice paddies, other agricultural fields, secondary forest, and montane heathland. Found at middle and high elevations, and absent from the lowlands. Most often seen on the wing, sometimes in flocks, which can also contain other species of swallow or swift. Weak, fluttering flight. The common vocalization, usually given in flight, is a short, slightly descending rattling trill. Somewhat similar to Mascarene Martin, but much smaller and plainer, lacking streaking on the underparts.