Common House Martin
The Common House Martin dazzles with its glossy blue-black coat and distinctive forked tail. A master of aerial acrobatics, it flits gracefully in pursuit of insects, making its homes in colonies on urban structures, integrating humans and nature in a charming coexistence.
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Decreasing
Population Trend
Distribution Range of the Common House Martin
Delichon urbicum, commonly known as the House Martin, is native to a wide geographical range across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Their breeding range lies predominantly in temperate regions, extending from the western parts of Europe including the United Kingdom, across to central Asia reaching parts of Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China. They are migratory birds, with wintering grounds mainly located in sub-Saharan Africa.
Common House Martin's Habitat
Environmental Conditions
House Martins typically inhabit open areas in temperate regions. They are often found in lowlands and foothills during the breeding season, primarily in urban and suburban environments. They require suitable vertical surfaces such as cliffs or buildings for nesting. The species thrives in environments that provide abundant aerial insect prey and accessible mud sources for nest building.
Ecological Niche
House Martins occupy an ecological niche as aerial insectivores. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, feeding on a wide variety of small flying insects such as flies, aphids, and midges. Their presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystem with abundant insect life. During migration and wintering, they adapt to various environments but continue to rely on areas with rich insect availability.
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