European sand martins feed exclusively on insects, catching them directly from the air during flight; the species employs an active hunting strategy and hunts by aerial pursuit. Their diet includes flies, mosquitoes, midges, small butterflies, butterflies, and other insects. The young and adults consume mosquitoes, beetles, butterflies, diptera, hymenoptera, bedbugs, orthoptera, dragonflies, mayflies, and lacewings. Daily food intake ranges from 8 grams to 15 grams.