House Martins in Finland
When the House Martin (Delichon urbicum) is present in Finland, when it nests, and which native Finland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Finland
- Summer visitor
- Nesting season
- June–August
- Size
- 12.5 cm, 18 g
- Nest box
- Artificial house martin cup under eaves
When to expect house martins in Finland
The House Martin arrives in Finland in spring to breed and leaves again in autumn. Brief, bright summers; nesting is compressed into May–July.
Boreal continental, forested and lake-strewn.
Nesting in Finland
In Finland the House Martin usually nests June–August. Nest site: mud cup under eaves. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 14–16 days; chicks fledge after 22–32 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- Nest box: Artificial house martin cup under eaves. Put boxes up by February and clean them out between September and January.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Finland plants for house martins
Of the native plants we track for Finland, these 8 provide food the House Martin uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Blackberries and impenetrable nesting cover.
Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.
Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.
Hazelnuts for Nuthatches, Jays and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Pine seed for Coal Tits, Crested Tits and Crossbills.
Cone seed for Siskins and Coal Tits; Goldcrest nesting habitat.
Feeding in the garden
Flying insects.
- Does not visit feeders — habitat and water are what bring it in.
- Artificial cup nests under eaves attract new colonies.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are house martins in Finland all year?
No. The House Martin is a summer visitor to Finland, arriving to breed and leaving in autumn.
When do house martins nest in Finland?
Typically June–August. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 14–16 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help house martins in Finland?
Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Bramble, Silver birch, Alder, Hazel, Scots pine, Norway spruce are native to Finland and provide food or cover the House Martin uses.
What nest box does the House Martin use?
Artificial house martin cup under eaves.
House Martins in other countries
Other garden birds in Finland
Sources
- House Martin — RSPB bird guide
- House Martin — BTO BirdFacts
- Finnish Bird Atlas — Finnish Museum of Natural History
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.