ExploreBird

House Martin

Delichon urbicum

The House Martin is a small bird that loves to fly. It has a sleek body and often builds its nests under the eaves of houses. You can see them swooping and diving to catch insects in the air!

Habitat: Nests near human homes, often in towns and villages.

Appearance

The House Martin has glossy blue-black upperparts, including its head and back, contrasting sharply with its pure white underparts. It is easily recognized by a distinct, bright white rump patch and a short, forked tail. It looks stockier than similar swallows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusDelichon

House Martin

Interesting facts

House Martins construct intricate mud nests using over 1,000 mud pellets!

House Martins often reuse their mud nests year after year, sometimes for generations!

These speedy birds spend almost all day flying, even when eating or drinking!

They journey thousands of kilometers from Europe all the way to Africa each autumn!

Special abilities

House Martins can construct incredibly strong, spherical nests from over a thousand mud pellets, protecting their chicks.

House Martins have incredibly agile flight and wide-gaping mouths that help them catch tiny flying insects mid-air.

House Martins often nest in large colonies on buildings, which helps them defend against predators and share information.

Measurements & details

Length: 13-15 cm
Wingspan: 26-29 cm
Weight: 0.018-0.023 kg
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-5
Incubation: 13-16 days
Migration Distance: 6000 km

Diet & Feeding

House Martins are insectivores, expertly catching small flying insects high in the air for their meals.

Primary Foods

flies
midges
aphids
small beetles
wasps

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Kestrel

Falco tinnunculus

Kestrels sometimes hunt adult House Martins.

parasitizes

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Sparrows often take over House Martin nests.

eats

House Fly

Musca domestica

House Martins eat countless flying insects like house flies.

eats

Highland Midge

Culicoides impunctatus

Midges are a tiny, important food source.

parasitizes

Swallow Bug

Oeciacus hirundinis

This bug feeds on House Martins and their young.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.