House Martin census 2014

Observer: _________________________ Address:____________________________________________________

Commune: __________________________ Town or village:_____________________________________________

How many nests?

How many in use?

What type of building?

Address Remarks (e.g. artificial nest)

Example: 3 2 e.g. Residential 2 rue des Hirondelles (Commune and locality as above)

e.g. 1 natural nest + 1 artificial nest

Please return this form by 31 August 2014 to: natur&ëmwelt, Centrale Ornithologique, 5, Route de Luxembourg, L-1899 Kockelscheuer

House Martin census 2014: How to take part

The aim of the census is to get a precise idea of the number of breeding House Martins in Luxembourg. We know that the House Martin population has declined drastically over recent years, so we now want to map the remaining nest sites as precisely as possible and make sure they are protected.

When?

House Martins have one or two broods a year. They start breeding in May, and youngsters can still be seen in the nest up to the middle of August. The best time to do the census is mid-May to the end of June.

Where?

Villages, towns, cities, housing estates, farm buildings

What?

Unlike Swallows, House Martins build their nests on the outside of buildings, usually under the roof overhang. Nests that are in use are visited frequently by the adults birds, and the nestlings’ droppings are visible under the nesthole.If you’re unsure of the difference between House Martins and Swallows, a quick identification guide is attached.

Please complete a separate form (or forms) for each locality, i.e. not two or more localities per form.

Please return your form(s) by 31 August 2014 to: natur&ëmwelt, Centrale Ornithologique, 5, Route de Luxembourg, L-1899 Kockelscheuer.

Thank you for your help! And remember: every bit of information counts.

House Martins have:

- a shallow-forked tail - completely white underparts- a white rump

Is it a Swallow? Is it a House Martin?

Swallows and House Martins both live where people live. The main difference is that Swallows nest indoors (in barns or cowsheds) whereas House Martins build their nests on the outside of buildings, usually under roof overhangs.Both species catch insects in flight. As many of these insects can be troublesome to humans, Swallows and House Martins are clearly a very good thing, and deserve all the help we can give them.

Swallows have:

- a deeply-forked tail, ending in tail streamers - a brown neck- no white rump (i.e. the upperparts are completely coloured)

House Martin at nest. Photo: R. Klein