Species Profile
House Martin
Delichon urbicum
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–8 years
Length
13–15 cm
Weight
15–23 g
Wingspan
26–29 cm
Migration
Long-distance Migrant
Also known as: Common House Martin, Northern House Martin, Common House-Martin, Western House Martin, Western House-Martin
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Appearance
The House Martin is a small, compact swallow with distinctive white underparts and rump contrasting with glossy blue-black upperparts. Its short, forked tail and white-feathered legs are key identifying features. The bird's head is flat, and its bill is short and black.
Both sexes look alike, with juveniles showing a duller plumage and a less pronounced fork in the tail. There are no significant seasonal plumage changes in this species.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
House Martins are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They prefer open country near human settlements, including farmland, villages, and suburban areas. These birds are particularly common in the UK, where they are familiar summer visitors.
During winter, House Martins migrate to sub-Saharan Africa, with some populations travelling as far as South Africa. In spring, they return to their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia, typically arriving in April or May.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
England
Cambridgeshire
Scotland
Wales
Rutland
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
Durham
East Riding of Yorkshire
Essex
East Sussex
Gloucestershire
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Merseyside
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
London
Manchester
Northumberland
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
Nottinghamshire
North Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
South Yorkshire
Tyne and Wear
West Midlands
Suffolk
Shropshire
Somerset
Surrey
Staffordshire
Stockton-on-Tees
Warwickshire
Wiltshire
West Yorkshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
House Martins are insectivores, primarily feeding on flying insects such as aphids, flies, and beetles. They catch their prey in mid-air, often at considerable heights.
During poor weather, these birds may feed closer to the ground, skimming low over water bodies to catch emerging insects. Occasionally, these birds will follow farmers' ploughs and livestock in search of the insects they disturb.
Behaviour
House Martins are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during migration and when feeding. They exhibit graceful, agile flight, catching insects on the wing with swift, darting movements.
These birds frequently gather mud for nest-building, a behaviour often observed near puddles or pond edges.
Calls & Sounds
House Martins have a soft, pleasant twittering call, often described as a gentle 'prrit' or 'prrip'. In flight or around nesting sites, they produce a rapid series of these notes, creating a cheerful, chattering effect. During courtship, males may sing a more prolonged, warbling song.
Nesting & Breeding
House Martins form monogamous pairs and breed during the summer months in their northern range. They typically arrive at breeding sites in April or May. Males often return to previous nesting sites and may start building before females arrive.
Nests are constructed from mud pellets mixed with grass or feathers, forming a cup shape attached to the exterior of buildings, usually under eaves. The nest's interior is lined with feathers and fine grasses. Females lay 3-5 white eggs.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 14-16 days. After hatching, nestlings are fed by both parents for approximately 22-32 days before fledging. In favourable conditions, pairs may raise two or even three broods in a season.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, House Martin populations have declined in parts of Europe. Factors include loss of nesting sites due to modern building practices and changes in insect abundance.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting existing colonies and promoting the use of artificial nest cups.
Elevation
Up to 2,000 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- House Martins face predation from birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Hobbies, as well as domestic cats when nesting near human habitations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for House Martins near buildings, especially those with overhanging eaves
- Observe their distinctive white rump in flight, which distinguishes them from swallows
- Listen for their soft, twittering calls, especially around nesting sites
- In the UK, watch for them from April to September during their breeding season
Did You Know?
- House Martins can fly at speeds of up to 40 mph when pursuing insects.
- A single House Martin can consume up to 3,000 insects per day.
- These birds have been known to reuse the same nest for multiple years, repairing and rebuilding as needed.
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