Share

Gwent's Swallows, Martins and Swifts

Two barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) perching on a fallen tree at an arable farm in Hertfordshire. May 2011. - Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

We take a look at swallows and martins, or more technically “The Hirundines”. We will also throw in the similar looking, but unrelated, Swift as well, (although the fascinating Swift really deserves a blog all of its own!)

One Swallow, two Martins, and a Swift make a summer

Spring is the ideal time to take a look at swallows, martins (“The Hirundines”) and Swifts. In our autumn and winter, all these species are a long way away, in their wintering grounds in Africa. A primitive urge will be forming in them, to fly north, to return to where they were born. But usually by mid-April they are all here, apart from the Swift, which is the last to arrive, and first to leave.  

This blog looks at the Barn Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, and Common Swift. These are the species that visit us annually in Gwent, and stay to breed, although other more exotic vagrants do appear from time to time.  

They are all built on a similar design, with sweptback wings supremely adapted for fast, manoeuvrable flight, that allows them to catch insects on the wing. With practice they can all be fairly easily identified by their distinctive features, and also to some degree habitat.  

 This guide will give you a flavour of how to identify them, which habitats, or locations to see them in, and hopefully a few interesting facts about each. 

Fledgling Barn Swallow

Barn Swallow - Andy Karran

Barn Swallow

A real favourite of everyone. Whilst the saying goes, “one Swallow doesn’t make a Summer”, the first one of spring certainly makes my day. You know better weather is on the way when you see the first brave Swallow battling back from Africa. 

The first few arrive in March, however, most arrive in April, staying until September, with a few late stragglers into October. They are here to take advantage of our long days, and hopefully fine summer weather, with lots of insects on the wing. They are similar in appearance to the martins, however their long tail streamers (longer in the male), and when seen close up, the gorgeous red throat clearly identify them. They can be seen across rural Gwent, but quite closely tied to human structures, nesting in barns, stables, church porches and so on.

House Martin on nest in porch

House Martin - Andy Karran

House Martin 

Another summer migrant, just like the Swallow, arriving and departing at similar times. The Swallow has quite a close association with people, nesting in barns, but generally more rural.

The House Martin is even more closely linked with ourselves, almost all House Martins choosing to nest on buildings, placing their mud nests below eaves, gables, and window ledges. Where did they nest before we had houses? The answer is they used to be a cliff nesting species. It takes a pair about 10 days to build their mud nest, and they will return to the same next every year, so please do not knock down old nests! They are similar looking to the swallow and Sand Martin, however, look out for the distinctive white rump.   

Sand Martins in flight

Jeff Chard

Sand Martin 

Sand Martins are one of the first spring migrants to arrive back, with many arriving in March. Unlike the other species we are looking at, the Sand Martins have not developed a close tie with our buildings for nest sites.

They nest in colonies along our rivers, digging holes into sandy riverbanks. A great place to see them is along the River Usk. You will know when you are getting near to a colony as there will be swarms of busy Sand Martins, shooting back and forth over the river, making their buzzing calls, whilst busily catching insects for their hungry young. Their nest holes in sheer riverbanks are quite safe nest sites, however unseasonal flooding of the river can be disastrous! Again, quite similar in shape and size to the Swallow and House Martin, but if seen well they are clearly brown and white, rather than blue and white. 

A swift flying to a nest box attached to the eaves of a cottage with its throat pouch bulging with insects it has caught to feed its chicks

A swift flying to a nest box attached to the eaves of a cottage with its throat pouch bulging with insects it has caught to feed its chicks - by Nick Upton

Common Swift 

In contrast to the Sand Martin, Swifts are one of our latest migrants to arrive, the first not arriving until early May, when they suddenly announce themselves as screaming sickles dashing through the sky. They are also one of the first to leave, generally all disappearing in August.

All these species are well adapted for flight, however the Swift has taken this to extremes. When they leave in August, they will not land again until they return to breed the following May. They feed, drink, breed, even sleep on the wing. Indeed, if a swift becomes grounded it cannot take off as its legs are so small and wings so long. Swifts are even more closely related to human habitation, breeding in buildings in our towns and cities, but still needing the countryside for feeding. Sadly, our buildings are increasingly less Swift friendly, without the holes/crevices they need, and their numbers have fallen greatly.  

How you can help

There are some great local groups doing fantastic work to help preserve our Swifts, with survey work and practical actions to make buildings more “Swift friendly”, if you would like to get involved their details are:  

swiftsofusk@gmail.com also, a Facebook page “Swifts of Usk” 

Chepstowswifts@gmail.com also, a Facebook page “Chepstow Swifts” 

Swyddi Blog Cysylltiedig