- New
Provides a safe nesting place for the common house martin
Common House Martin Shelter
€58.70
Price without VAT: €48.51
Common House Martin Shelter – Econex
- ✅ Specifically designed for the common house martin (Delichon urbicum)
- ✅ Nest structure made of clay with a solid wood support certified by PEFC and FSC
- ✅ Weather-resistant and easy to install
- ✅ Available as a single unit or in a pack of 10
Description
The Common House Martin Shelter – Econex is an ideal solution to provide a safe nesting place for the common house martin (Delichon urbicum), a migratory species that returns to Europe in spring to breed. Installing these shelters helps promote the conservation of these insectivorous birds and strengthens urban and peri-urban ecosystems.
The nest is made of clay, a durable material that provides a stable and long-lasting refuge for the birds. It is attached to a solid wood support with PEFC and FSC certifications, ensuring that it comes from sustainably managed forests. Its optimized design allows for easy hanging and makes it suitable for withstanding weather conditions.
The nest has a rounded shape with a width of 20 cm and a height of 14 cm. Its rectangular mounting base measures 30 x 19 cm, ensuring stable fixation on the solid wood support. Additionally, the 4 cm entrance hole, located at the upper side of the clay structure, is designed to facilitate access for house martins.
Available Options
The Econex COMMON HOUSE MARTIN SHELTER is available in two formats to meet different conservation needs:
📦 Purchase Options:
- Single unit – Ideal for gardens, nature reserves, and small conservation areas.
- Pack of 10 – Perfect for reintroduction programs, biodiversity initiatives, and environmental organizations.
Technical Specifications
- ✔️ Material: Clay nest with a solid wood support certified by PEFC and FSC (2 cm thickness).
- ✔️ Dimensions:
- Width: 30 cm.
- Height: 26 cm.
- Depth: 20 cm.
- ✔️ Entrance hole: 4 cm in diameter.
- ✔️ Optimized design: Upper side entrance hole for easy access by house martins.
- ✔️ Easy installation: Can be fixed on facades, walls, or urban structures.
- ✔️ Guaranteed durability: Weather-resistant and structurally stable.
Installation and Maintenance
To ensure the shelter's effectiveness and the safety of the birds, follow these recommendations:
📍 Recommended Placement:
- Install 2 to 5 meters above the ground, preferably in elevated areas, as house martins prefer higher nesting sites.
- Place on facades, walls, or buildings facing open courtyards, plazas, or protected open spaces.
- Avoid installing in high-traffic areas such as patios or terraces to minimize inconvenience from droppings.
- Preferably orient towards the south or southeast to avoid direct sun exposure and protect from strong winds.
⚠️ Installation Recommendations:
- If installing on a wall, ensure it is securely fixed on a stable surface with appropriate screws.
- Avoid installing above frequently used windows or doors.
🛠️ Maintenance:
- Cleaning is recommended between October and November once the nest has been abandoned.
- To clean, use a stick or wire to remove nesting debris and, if possible, disinfect with boiling water.
- Allow the shelter to dry completely before reinstalling.
- Do not disturb the shelter during the chick-rearing period to avoid disruptions in their development.
Usage Period
The best time to install the shelter is in late winter or early spring, as house martins return to Europe between April and May for the breeding season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of the Common House Martin Shelter?
It supports the conservation of house martins, a migratory insectivorous species, by providing them with a safe nesting site and helping maintain ecological balance.
Which species is it suitable for?
It is specifically designed for the common house martin (Delichon urbicum), a species that nests on buildings and elevated structures.
Where should the shelter be installed?
It should be placed on walls, facades, or buildings, at least 2 meters above the ground, in quiet and protected areas.
What is the difference between the single unit and the pack of 10?
The single unit is ideal for gardens and small conservation projects, while the pack of 10 is intended for large-scale reintroduction and conservation programs.
How is the shelter installed?
It should be securely fixed on a stable surface, protected from wind and direct sunlight, avoiding placement above frequently used windows or doors.
What maintenance does the shelter require?
It is recommended to clean it once a year after the breeding season to ensure functionality and prevent parasite buildup.
What is the difference between a house martin, a swallow, and a swift?
All three species are migratory insectivorous birds, but they have key differences in morphology, behavior, and habitat:
| Characteristic | Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum) | Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Common Swift (Apus apus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 13-15 cm (wingspan: 26-29 cm) | 17-19 cm (wingspan: 32-35 cm) | 16-17 cm (wingspan: 40-44 cm) |
| Coloration | Dark blue back, white belly, white rump | Metallic blue back, reddish throat, cream belly | Uniform dark brown, appears black in flight |
| Flight | Agile with short glides | Graceful and fast | Ultra-fast, spends most of its life in the air |
| Nesting | Enclosed mud nest under eaves | Open mud nest in barns or stables | Does not build nests, uses cracks or cavities |
| Legs | Short, can perch on wires | Short, can perch on wires | Very small, only clings to walls |
| Habitat | Cities, towns, cliffs | Rural areas, farmland | Cities, cliffs, high elevations |
| Where will you see it? | Flying near buildings and under eaves | Near barns, on wires, and open fields | Always in flight, never perching on wires or branches |
Quick summary:
- If you see a bird with a white belly and rump attached to a wall, it’s a house martin.
- If it has a reddish throat and a deeply forked tail, it’s a barn swallow.
- If it appears black and flies without perching, with long curved wings, it’s a swift.
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