House martin - new breeding species for Malta

Abstract

The House Martin Delichon urbica is a common migrant in spring and autumn with a few birds sometimes occurring during the rest of the year, particularly in winter. Throughout the day, on 7th June 1981, 3 House Martins were noted prospecting for nesting site under the balcony of a villa at Attard. Although they were not seen there the following day, 6 birds were found prospecting for nesting sites at buildings in the main square of Mosta. The prospecting continued until the 13th June when the birds disappeared. However, 4 birds returned a week later and 2 nests were built under one of the balconies of the building facing Mosta Church. In early August each nest contained 3 young. Adults and young deserted the area by the 3rd week of August. On 15th August, the day when the village feast is celebrated, the birds suffered from great disturbance when fireworks were let off even from the balcony where they were resting.