Bird: Delichon urbicum ( House martin - Σπιτοχελίδονο)

Delichon urbicum ( House martin - Σπιτοχελίδονο)

Marios Philippou - Akrotiri Limassol Cyprus - April

The House Martin (Delichon urbicum) is a small migratory passerine bird in the swallow family (Hirundinidae). It is well known for its distinctive white rump and underparts, contrasting with its glossy blue-black upperparts.

Identification & Appearance

• Size: About 12–13 cm in length, with a wingspan of 26–29 cm.
• Coloration:
  • Glossy dark blue-black upperparts.
  • Pure white underparts.
  • A short, slightly forked tail (unlike swallows, which have longer forked tails).
  • Distinct white rump, making it easy to differentiate from swallows.
• Flight: Agile and fast, often flying in groups while catching insects mid-air.

Habitat & Distribution

• Breeds across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia.
• Winters in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Prefers open landscapes, often near water, and is commonly seen in towns and villages where it builds nests on buildings.

Nesting & Behavior

• Builds mud nests, typically under eaves of buildings or cliffs.
• Nests are enclosed structures with a small entrance hole.
• Highly social birds, often nesting in colonies.
• Feeds mainly on aerial insects, catching them in flight.
• Frequently seen around water sources where insect abundance is high.

Migration

• A long-distance migrant, traveling from Europe to Africa for winter.
• Returns to breeding grounds in spring, typically around April to May.

Conservation Status

• Classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, but populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and reduced insect populations.

https://lizzieharper.co.uk/image/house-martin-delichon-urbicum-and-nest-vignette/

The House Martin (Delichon urbicum) is a regular migrant and breeder in Cyprus, arriving in spring to nest and departing in autumn for its wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Presence in Cyprus

• Spring arrival: Late February to April.
• Breeding season: From April to July.
• Autumn migration: Starts in August, with most birds leaving by October.
• Winter presence: Rare, but occasional individuals may linger.

Breeding in Cyprus

House Martins are widespread breeders on the island, particularly in villages, towns, and near cliffs. They construct mud nests under building eaves, on bridges, and rock faces. These nests are often seen in colonies, especially in older villages and near water sources.

Habitat Preferences

• Villages and towns with suitable nesting sites (e.g., buildings, bridges).
• Cliffs and gorges, especially in Troodos, Akamas, and Pentadaktylos.
• Near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, where insects are abundant.

Diet & Behavior in Cyprus

• Feeds on aerial insects, often seen foraging in flocks over fields, wetlands, and coastal areas.
• Frequently associates with Barn Swallows and Red-rumped Swallows.
• Nest-building can be affected by drought, as it reduces available mud.

Conservation in Cyprus

• Still a common breeder, but numbers have declined in some areas due to urbanization and reduced insect populations (linked to pesticide use).
• Protection of nesting sites and natural wetlands is crucial for maintaining healthy populations.