The Collared Sand Martin breeds in temperate and sub-arctic zones of Europe, Asia and North America and migrates southwards during the northern winter. European birds migrate to Africa south of the Sahara. Some Asian birds also move there while others migrate to south-east Asia. North American birds migrate to South America. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

They breed in colonies on vertical sandy or earth banks where they excavate nests up to a meter into the bank.