house martin

American  

noun

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

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house martin British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of house martin

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.

From Salon

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

From Reuters

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

From BBC

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

From The Guardian

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.

From Nature