House martin nest box

Installing the house martin window nest

The house martin mainly chooses cowsheds, stables and various barns to build its nest. The nest must be placed so that it is protected from the rain and kept dry. Place the nest at a minimum height of 2.5 m, to protect it from cats and other predators.

The nest must be placed against a vertical surface. The entrance should be about 6 cm (plan to place it under an eaves or a ledge). Be sure to choose a quiet spot, with not too much foot traffic.

Since the very beginning of recorded history, the house martin has lived closely with humanity and owes its name to this fact. In addition, it is easy to recognize by its white and blue/black feathers, and it feeds on insects it catches in the air. Swallows prefer to breed in groups, so it is best to hang several swallow nests close together. It is best to fix this nest under the roof with the top of the nest right up against the overhang, creating a closed cavity with a flight entrance.

Feeding and breeding of the house martin

It generally feeds 7 or 8 metres above the ground or shallow water, on flies, mosquitoes, aphids, butterflies …

The barn swallow breeds from April to July, with 2 or 3 broods per year. The female then incubates 4 to 6 eggs for 14 to 16 days. The young are fed insects by both parents. The chicks leave the nest after 17 days. The nest is often reused from one year to the next. The swallow helps to naturally eliminate harmful insects such as mosquitoes.