an other garden no.33: martins and their cliff side nests

Stories and Histories

Pictured are a group of Crag Martins. Martins and Swallows are Passerine birds and belong to the Hirundiniae family. Passerine birds or Perching Birds account for over half the bird species in the world and are recognised by their backwards facing toe which allows them to clamp their foot to their perch. Martins and Swallows are usually differentiated by their tail shapes; the Martin species tend to have a square shaped tail and Swallow species a forked tail. The Hirundiniae family is known for its ability to feed while in flight as a result of their slender streamlined body and pointed wings; ideal for gliding. The Crag Martins pictured appear to have built their nest in cavities on the cliff surface which is a site favoured by the species though they also nest in mountainous areas and caves and occasionally buildings. The cliff surface also functions in their hunting as they can pick falling insects disturbed by their flight so close to the rock face. When not catching their prey inflight they will pick them (insects such beetles, ariel spiders and ants) from the water surface or ground.

It is estimated that there are currently up to 1.11 million Crag Martins alive. Because of their sheer numbers and adaptability when it comes to nesting sites and feeding, they are on the "Least Concern" list  by the IUCN or International Union for Conservation of Nature.