House Martin
Delichon urbicum
UK Amber ListEasy to see📍 Lake District
Season
April to October. Summer visitor.
Best time of day
Daytime. That flight.
Lake District
Villages. Buildings. Under eaves. White rump. Shorter tail than swallow. April to October. Common. Often with swallows.
UK population
Around 490,000 pairs. Declining.
Overview
House martins nest under eaves. White rump. Shorter tail than swallow. Villages. April to October. Common. Often with swallows. Declining.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Habitat | Villages · Buildings · Cliffs |
| Diet | Flying insects. Catches in flight. |
| UK population | Around 490,000 pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Villages. Buildings. Under eaves. White rump. Shorter tail than swallow. April to October. Common. Often with swallows. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Villages, buildings. Under eaves. White rump. Shorter tail than swallow.
Identification
White rump. Blue back. Shorter tail than swallow. Under eaves. Unmistakeable.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Villages. Under eaves. White rump. Often with swallows. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.