House martin Delichon urbica

Black-and-white swallow-like bird, often nesting under the eaves of buildings

Habitat: towns, usually near water to provide mud for nests

Widespread and common summer visitor, but declining in Essex

Compact swallow-like bird with white rump; 12–13 cm

Aerial bird often seen feeding over fresh water

Feeds on insects, flying higher than swallows but lower than swifts

Nest is a dome of mud under eaves and/or on a vertical wall; usually in colonies

2–3 clutches of 4–5 eggs, May to August

Most arrive late, in May, and sometimes leave late, in October or even November; winters in Africa