House
Martins

 

House Martins are smaller than Swifts with a wingspan of up to 29cm, and have a jolly 'chirruping' call. They build mud nests on houses, high up under fascia boards and gable ends. They have glossy blue-black upper parts, a white underbelly and a distinctive white rump.

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House Martins have also been moved to the red list and are suffering serious decline. According to the RSPB, from 1970-2014 there was a 47% reduction in numbers of House Martins with a 10% reduction between 1995-2014. They usually start arriving in the UK from Africa in April, and continue to arrive in waves until summer.

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Their populations are greatly affected by the weather. They need mud to build their nests and hot, dry summers can drastically affect their nest building and damage their nests. Harsh weather on their migration routes can also have devastating effects on their numbers.

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Modern building practices and renovations have a part to play House Martin decline as we increasingly, often unknowingly, discourage wildlife from our homes. House Martins struggle to make nests on plastic fascia boards where the mud won't stick. Some homes intentionally discourage House Martins, too.

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Want to find out more about House Martins? Check out House Martin Conservation UK!

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Chirk Swifts and House Martins offer free local home surveys to help you begin your own Swift and House Martin colonies. Get in touch to find out how you can help these incredible birds. Together we can help raise awareness of our wonderful migrant birds and provide suitable nesting spaces for them to raise their families. Let's keep the summer skies alive!

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