The document provides instructions for conducting a house martin census in Luxembourg. It explains that house martin populations have declined drastically and the goal is to precisely map remaining nest sites to protect them. Participants are asked to record the number of nests and nests in use at each location between mid-May and late June. The form requires information on the address, commune, number of nests and nests in use, building type where nests are located, and any remarks. Identification tips are provided to distinguish house martins from swallows. Completed forms should be returned by August 31st.

1. House Martin census 2014
Observer: _________________________ Address:____________________________________________________
Commune: __________________________ Town or village:_____________________________________________
How many
nests?
How many in
use?
What type of
building?
Address Remarks (e.g. artificial nest)
Example: 3 2 e.g. Residential 2 rue des Hirondelles (Commune and locality as
above)
e.g. 1 natural nest + 1 artificial nest
Please return this form by 31 August 2014 to: natur&ëmwelt, Centrale Ornithologique, 5, Route de Luxembourg, L-1899 Kockelscheuer

2. House Martin census 2014:
How to take part
The aim of the census is to get a precise idea of the number of breeding House Martins
in Luxembourg. We know that the House Martin population has declined drastically over
recent years, so we now want to map the remaining nest sites as precisely as possible
and make sure they are protected.
When?
House Martins have one or two broods a year. They start breeding in May, and
youngsters can still be seen in the nest up to the middle of August. The best time to do
the census is mid-May to the end of June.
Where?
Villages, towns, cities, housing estates, farm buildings
What?
Unlike Swallows, House Martins build their nests on the outside of buildings, usually
under the roof overhang. Nests that are in use are visited frequently by the adults
birds, and the nestlings’ droppings are visible under the nesthole.
If you’re unsure of the difference between House Martins and Swallows, a quick
identification guide is attached.
Please complete a separate form (or forms) for each locality, i.e. not two or more
localities per form.
Please return your form(s) by 31 August 2014 to: natur&ëmwelt, Centrale Ornithologique,
5, Route de Luxembourg, L-1899 Kockelscheuer.
Thank you for your help! And remember: every bit of information counts.

3. House Martins have:
- a shallow-forked tail
- completely white underparts
- a white rump
Is it a Swallow? Is it a House Martin?

4. Swallows and House Martins both live where people live. The main difference is that
Swallows nest indoors (in barns or cowsheds) whereas House Martins build their
nests on the outside of buildings, usually under roof overhangs.
Both species catch insects in flight. As many of these insects can be troublesome to
humans, Swallows and House Martins are clearly a very good thing, and deserve all
the help we can give them.
Swallows have:
- a deeply-forked tail, ending in tail streamers
- a brown neck
- no white rump (i.e. the upperparts are
completely coloured)

5. House Martin at nest. Photo: R. Klein