How to tell House Martins apart from Swallows

[watervole]

For reapermum, because she asked.

How to tell a house martin from a swallow. Take a look at these brilliant pages from the RSPB which even have sound and video clips.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/h/housemartin/index.asp

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/s/swallow/index.asp

Comments

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

Thanks, that saves me getting the bird book out, I look them up every year and then forget by next spring.

They're swallows, they nest on the rafters above the outside loo. Our previous house had martins.

[temeres.livejournal.com]

It doesn't hurt to be reminded now and again that some people, even people who are interested in birds, have to grapple with identification issues that I don't even think about. I just sort 'em on jizz but then I've seen zillions of both.

Marsh Tit and Willow Tit, now there's something to grapple with. I can just about do them.

Common/Arctic/Roseate Terns, however ... I just look the other way:)