House Martins build enclosed mud-cup nests under eaves, sealing them with mud pellets and lining them with feathers.
They're true colonial nesters, established colonies can include dozens of pairs under a single roof.
They migrate to Africa each fall and have shown declines in many European countries, possibly due to insect declines and changes in eaves construction.
House Martins are colonial, establishing a colony at a new site is hard, but supporting an existing one with artificial nest cups is highly effective.
Mount artificial mud-cup nests under your roof eaves where existing martins have nested or where colonies exist within 1 km.
Mud puddles within ¼ km are essential during nest-building.
Aerial insects only. A no-pesticide garden helps.
Open sky and approach to your eaves, clear of overhanging trees.
Don't power-wash old nests, colonies will reuse and repair them year after year.
A long-distance Eurasian migrant breeding across Europe and parts of Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Common breeder throughout, especially in towns and villages.
East through European Russia and the Caucasus.
Winters across sub-Saharan Africa, often in flocks of thousands.
Towns and villages, especially old buildings with rough eaves and open courtyards. Increasingly using artificial nest cups.
No entrance hole, no front wall, just a sheltered ledge. Includes drainage and the integrated mounting tab.
Shop the lineupLong-distance migrant from sub-Saharan Africa. UK population in serious decline, purpose-built nest cups are listed as a priority conservation action by the BTO.