House Martin
Delichon urbica
Length 12-13cm

A familiar and welcome summer visitor to most parts of Britain and Ireland; least numerous in N Scotland. Elsewhere often found breeding in surprisingly urban settings. Most birds present from mid-April to August. Adult easily identified in flight by white underparts and blue-black upperparts showing conspicuous white rump; juvenile similar to adult. As its name suggests, most birds breed on outsides of houses, constructing almost spherical mud nests under eaves and overhangs in loose colonies; in more natural settings, birds sometimes use cave entrances or cliffs as sites for nest construction. Soon after arrival in spring, birds can be seen gathering sticky mud from puddles; this is carried back to nest site and applied, mixed with saliva. Like other hirundines, often seen feeding over freshwater pools and lakes, catching insects in low-level flight. Frequently utters its prrrit call in flight. Usually delivers twittering song from overhead wire near to nest site.