House Martin
Delichon urbicum
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The House Martin is a compact hirundine with a brilliant white rump — visible from below and above. They nest in mud cups under house eaves and return faithfully to the same nest site each year. Unlike Swallows, they feed at greater height and are often visible only as flashing white rumps high overhead. Their decline is poorly understood — possibly linked to insects (their food) and conditions in African wintering grounds.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Habitat | Urban areas · Suburban buildings · Open country for feeding |
| Diet | Flying insects — caught high in the air |
| UK population | Around 510,000 pairs; red-listed due to significant decline |
| Sefton Coast | Present throughout the Sefton Coast in summer; breeds on buildings in Formby and Southport |
| Conservation | UK Red List |
Where to See It
Above Formby and Southport houses and over Marshside. Nests on house eaves.
Identification
Small hirundine. Blue-black above, white below, brilliant white rump — the key feature. Shorter forked tail without streamers (compare Swallow). White rump visible from above and below.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Look up — House Martins often feed high overhead. The white rump immediately distinguishes them from Swallows. Check house eaves for the mud cup nests in May.
Conservation Status
UK Red List
This species is on the UK Red List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating serious concern about its population decline or unfavourable conservation status. Monitoring this species on the Sefton Coast contributes to national population tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are House Martins declining?
House Martin populations have fallen by around 45% since the 1970s. The causes are unclear but are thought to include declining flying insect numbers (their food), reduced availability of mud for nest building, changes in agricultural land use reducing insect abundance, and possibly deteriorating conditions on migration or in African wintering grounds.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.