Swifts, Swallows & Martins
Spring marks the return of some of the UK’s most fascinating summer visitors: swifts, swallows, and house martins. These high-flying birds travel thousands of miles from Africa to grace our skies, filling the air with their calls and dazzling us with their acrobatics. But despite their spectacular journeys, climate change and habitat loss mean their numbers are in decline. But, by taking action, we can help them thrive in our towns, cities, and countryside. These birds are no strangers to long-haul flights. Swallows, for instance, travel up to 200 miles per day at around 20 mph, migrating all the way to South Africa for winter. Swifts, meanwhile, can be found in the tropical forests of Central Africa before making their way back to the UK. Despite their endurance, migration is becoming increasingly dangerous. Extreme weather, caused by climate change, disrupts their journeys. Food shortages, due to declining insect populations, also make it harder for these birds to survive and raise their young.
Small changes can make a big difference and here in Cornwall there are a number of things we can do to help these summer species.
Encourage insects – Planting wildflowers and avoiding pesticides can help keep insect numbers up.
Provide nesting spots – Modern renovations often block access to nesting space. Installing swift boxes or leaving spaces under eaves can help.
Protect their homes – House martin nests are often removed from buildings. However, their nests and young are protected, meaning it’s illegal to disturb them during breeding season.
Simple steps can ensure these incredible birds return to our skies each summer, continuing a cycle that has existed for generations.
If you are interested in doing more to help, you can record swift sightings on SwiftMapper.org.uk.
Places like Marazion Marsh provide excellent feeding stations for our returning birds, due to the fact it is full of flying insects. Time your visit between April showers, when the air pressure is low, and you could be rewarded with skies full of swallows and martins swirling overhead. Swifts, swallows, and martins may seem similar at first glance, but each has distinct features. Swifts are dark brown (appearing black in flight) with long, curving wings. They almost never perch and are seen from April to August. Swallows are glossy blue-black above, creamy-white below, with a red forehead and throat. They have long, forked tails with ‘streamers’ and are often seen perching on wires. Spotted from March to October. House Martins are blue-black with a white rump and short, forked tail. They can be spotted near rooftops, where they nest below eaves, and are present from March to October.
