We are a newly formed conservation charity covering the UK and Ireland dedicated to the care and protection of the house martin. House martin numbers have been in decline for many years with a UK & Ireland conservation status of ‘Red’.

The House Martin is a small bird with glossy blue-black upper parts and pure white under parts. It has a distinctive white rump with a forked tail and, on close inspection, white feathers covering its legs and toes.

Breeding House Martins are widespread in Britain and Ireland with the exception of the highest parts of the Scottish Highlands, Shetland, the Outer Hebrides and some exposed parts of the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland.

How to identify house martins. The house martin is glossy black above, completely white below, and has a white rump and a short, forked tail. As its name suggests, the house martin can be spotted around our towns and villages, where they build …

The western house martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called the common house martin, northern house martin or, particularly in Europe, just house martin, is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across the Palearctic; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects ...

House martins have almost entirely forsaken their ‘wild’ nesting sites on cliffs for the artificial cliffs created by us humans – our homes. It is thought that house martins had already switched to nesting in human habitations as far back as Shakespeare’s day.

Surviving solely on insects caught 'on the wing', house martins are a fascinating bird species. Discover more about their migration routes, nesting habits and diet in our expert guide to house martins. Magazine gift subscriptions - from just £14.99 every 6 …

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.

House Martins are small, striking birds with glossy blue-black upper parts and stark white under parts. These birds are known for their distinctive white rumps, forked tails, and the unique white feathers covering their legs and toes.

The House martin is a summer migrant to the UK from its wintering grounds in Africa, arriving back on our shores during April – though some birds will arrive late March. House martins are a smallish bird with a glossy blue-black back and pure white underparts and distinct white rump.