House Martin - Delichon urbicum

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. Juveniles are duller with little or no gloss and have pale tips to the tertials. It spends much of its time on the wing collecting insect prey.

Mostly associated with man, found around towns and villages. Feeds on aerial insects and so is most frequently seen in areas of mixed agriculture, near water and in the vicinity of woodland.

They return to the UK in April, often feeding over wetlands for a while before returning to their traditional nest sites, remaining here until September and October before migrating south.

The bird's mud nest is usually sites below the eaves of buildings. They are insect eaters, taking their prey on the wing.

They are summer migrants and spend their winters in Africa. Although still numerous and widespread, recent moderate declines earn them a place on the Amber List.

A fairly common nesting bird in Leicestershire & Rutland.