This article is a guide to assist with positive identification of Martins, Swallows, and Swifts
Family: Hirundinidae
The arrival of House Martins, Barn Swallows & Common Swifts is an indication that springtime has started. These acrobatic birds look very similar when seen darting about the sky. There are key differences between each species making them relatively easy to identify. This guide will help.
HOUSE MARTIN
The House Martin (Delichon urbica) is a summer migrant bird found in the UK, arriving in April, it is one of the last migratory birds to leave, typically departing in October. They resemble a Barn Swallow in shape, but a key distinguishing feature of the House Martin is its completely white underside, including the belly and throat. The white coloring extends to the lower back feathers, whereas neither the Barn Swallow nor the Common Swift has white on their backs.
The House Martin has a forked tail, and if you get to see one up close, they have white feathers on their legs and toes. House Martins spend much of their time in flight, collecting insect prey.
The bird’s nest is usually located below the eaves of buildings and is constructed from mud. However, typically these nests would be located on cliff faces.
Note the white patch on the rump of the bird in the image above. The House Martin has a high-pitched tweet.
House Martin call:
Jose Ignacio Molina xeno-canto.org
Common SWIFT
The Common Swift (Apus apus) is another summer migrant, arriving in April and typically leaving in August or September. They are characterized by their predominantly sooty brown plumage, both above and below. The exception is a small white patch on their throat, albeit this can be difficult to see when they are in flight.
Another characteristic of the Common Swift is that they are an aerial bird, they will rarely land on the ground; they eat sleep, and even mate whilst sleeping! Look out for their long, curved wing shape and their forked tail.
The Common Swift nests under the eaves of buildings using materials that they catch in flight, and using their saliva to hold the nest together. They will also squeeze into the gaps in roof tiles and walls.
The bird has a thin, high-pitched call.
Swift call:
Arjun Dutta xeno-canto.org
Barn Swallow
Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) is another summer migrant to the UK. Arriving in April and leaving in September.
They have a white belly with a glossy blue and black head and neck and a red throat. Noting that they also lack the pale rump feathers seen on House Martins.
Barn Swallows also spend much of their time in the air. Look out for their distinctive long forked tail. Adult birds have long streamers from their tail feathers. Barn Swallows also have longer wings than House Martins but are shorter than Swift and much more triangular.
As their full name suggests, Barn Swallows like to nest in barns, sheds, and other open buildings. They will build a cup-shaped nest out of mud on top of a beam or a ledge.
The bird has a distinctive chattering call.
Barn Swallow call:
Jarek Matusiak xeno-canto.org
