Northern House Martin

Scientific Name: Delichon Urbinca

Family:Passereau

Habitat: Towns and villages, sometimes on the rock faces of moutains up to 2000m.

Lifespan : 3 years

Weight : between 15 and 25 g.

Height: Length: 14 cm, Wing: 11cm, Wingspan 30.9 cm .

Description : It is recognised by its blue: black metallic plumage, especially on its throat, stomach and white rump. It has a forked tail. The young birds have blue:brown feathers.

Difference between male and female: None

Nesting : They are found in groups of 10 nests, hanging on walls, built with mud and saliva which forms little balls that stick to one another. Always on the outside of buildings they are closed on the bottom except for a small opening to the inside which is covered with feathers.

Eggs : Two clutches of 4 to 5 white eggs measuring 18mm by 13mm. The eggs are sat on by the male and female for 15 days. The young chicks stay for 3 to 4 weeks in the nest.

Flight : Their flight is slow and supple. They often glide and rise to great heights.

Diet :They feed on small insects only when in flight. Whilst flying, they also swoop down for water.

Dangers : Especially from predators like the common kestrel, the Northern House Martin is possibly in decline due to the harmful effects of pesticides.

Migrations : They leave Europe in October when insects are rare. They winter in Africa, as far south as the southern Sahara. They migrate to look for food. In Autumn they come down to the west coast. In spring they pass over the Sahara. This journey is very difficult, sometimes the Northern House Martin does not find any insects on the way and they have to fly without food.

photo : Alain Fossé