Species Guide: House Martin (Delichon urbica)
Family: Hirundinidae
APPEARANCE
The House Martin is characterized by its glossy, dark blue upperparts and striking bright white throat and underparts. Notable features include a forked tail and a distinct white rump, making it easily identifiable among other bird species.
Diet
House Martins primarily feed on flying insects and aphids, which they skillfully capture while airborne. These birds dedicate a significant portion of their time to flying as they search for their prey.
HABITAT
House martins prefer habitats that are in proximity to open countryside, particularly pastoral environments and villages. They often choose locations in proximity to water sources, which provide abundant food options. They are commonly found across the entirety of the British Isles, although their numbers are significantly less in Scotland and some of the Isles.
Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established populations.
Behavior
House Martins are migratory birds that visit the UK during the summer months, arriving in April and May. Their breeding season occurs from May to August.
Historically, these birds preferred nesting on cliff faces, but nowadays, they are more commonly found building nests in manmade structures such as the eaves of buildings and under bridges. This shift has allowed them to thrive in urban environments.
Constructing their nests from mud, House Martins collect the necessary material from ponds and streams. They tend to nest in colonies, often consisting of around five nests clustered together. This social behavior offers some protection from predators.
The female House Martin lays a clutch of up to five white eggs, which typically hatch after about 14 days. The chicks develop quickly and are usually ready to fledge within 22 to 23 days. House Martins typically raise two broods each breeding season.
In terms of mating habits, House Martins are known for their lack of long-term pair bonding. As a result, many nests may contain chicks that have different fathers, showcasing a level of promiscuity within their breeding practices.
House Martin call:
Jose Ignacio Molina xeno-canto.org
Biometrics
| Wing Length2 | 106-115 mm |
| Body Weight2 | 15.5-20.4 grams |
| Longevity2 | 7 Years |
NATURAL PREDATORS
Eurasian Hobbies and the Sparrowhawk are the House Martins main predators. The House Martins speed and agility enable them to out-fly most predators.
Did You Know? House Sparrows have been known to displace House Martins from their nests so that they can use the nests themselves!
Conservation Status
There has been a significant decline in UK breeding populations, the reason for this is currently unclear.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
References
- European Bird Breeding Atlas
- Featherbase
