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.
See the full 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.