house martin

noun

1. a small European swallow, Delichon urbica, that builds its nest under the eaves of houses.

house martin

noun

1. a Eurasian swallow, Delichon urbica, with a slightly forked tail and a white and bluish-black plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of house martin¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

In Europe, parallel declines of insectivorous swallows, house martins and swifts have all been linked to insect declines.

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Some research also has linked insecticide use with declines in barn swallows, house martins, and swifts.

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The authority added there were colonies of house martins and swifts living nearby which could be at particular risk.

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Shorter and more compact than a swallow, the house martin is found in urban areas.

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As a boy, Wikelski spent hours staring up at swallows and house martins sheltering under the eaves of his family’s barn in the Bavarian countryside.

Read more on Nature