Eurasian Crag Martin Nest

Did you know that of all the swallow species that occur in Portugal, the Eurasian Crag Martins (𝘗𝘵𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘴) are the ones that use rocky cliffs the most for nesting?

Eurasian Crag Martins' nests are built with mud and have the shape of a small open cup. These nests can be built from natural structures such as cliffs to human structures such as buildings, bridges or viaducts.

This species can nest alone or form nesting colonies with a few dozen nests, usually spaced apart.

Whenever you come across one of these nests, or that of any other swallow, record it on our website!

Red-rumped Swallow Nest

Did you know that there is a species of swallow in Portugal whose nest is occupied by White-rumped Swift (𝘈𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳)?

Red-rumped Swallows (𝘊𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢) nests are closed mud bowls with a circular entrance and an access tunnel. And unlike other swallows that glue the mud bowl to the wall or eaves of a building, this species builds its nest on the roof.

These nests, sometimes used by swifts, are usually built in places that are difficult to access, such as bridges, viaducts or even underground canals. So the next time you cross a viaduct, look out for a swallow's nest and keep an eye out for its occupants.

If you find it, report it on our website!

House Martin Nest

Did you know that of all the swallow species that occur in Portugal, the House Martin (Delichon urbicum) is the species that forms the largest breeding colonies?

This martin builds its nests, closed mud bowls with a narrow circular entrance, on the eaves of buildings or viaducts. The nests of this species can be found from small villages to large urban centres.

As well as being an urban species, this martin is also a gregarious species, so it can form large nesting colonies, often overlapping several nests.

The largest colony recorded in the andorin campaign is made up of more than 560 nests. If you too know of an isolated nest or colony, register it on our website!