The European sand martin, also known as bank swallow or collared sand martin, has a typical lifespan of from 7 years and 7 months to 12 years and 8 months, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10 years and 1 month, and a theoretical lifespan of from 7 to 10 years and 1 month; the age of sexual maturity ranges from 2 months and 2 weeks to 2 years. The species' development includes an "embryo" stage, which is an egg that develops in a nest without nourishment, followed by a "nestling" stage where the young are kept in a nest for from 2 weeks and 5 days to 3 weeks and 3 days and are fed insects by their parents. The "adult" stage begins when the bird is from 1 year to 8 years and 3 months old, during which time it flies and obtains food in the air and is capable of reproduction.