The Nepal house martin is a non-migratory passerine of the swallow family Hirundinidae. Its two subspecies breed in the Himalayas from northwestern India through Nepal to Myanmar, northern Vietnam, and just into China. It occurs in river valleys and rugged wooded mountain ridges at heights between 1,000–4,000 m (3,300–13,100 ft) altitude, where it nests in colonies beneath overhangs on vertical cliffs, laying three or four white eggs in an enclosed mud nest.
Region
Himalayas and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Breeds from northwestern India through Nepal and Bhutan into northern Myanmar, northern Vietnam, and adjacent southwestern China. It favors rugged, forested mountain landscapes, river gorges, and steep valleys. Nesting sites are on vertical cliffs and escarpments, especially where protective overhangs provide shade and shelter. Outside the breeding cliffs, it forages over open slopes, forest edges, and above rivers, sometimes near hill villages.
Altitude Range
1000–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Nepal house martin is a non-migratory swallow that breeds in colonies on shaded cliff faces across the Himalayas and nearby ranges. It constructs enclosed mud nests with a small entrance, often beneath rock overhangs, and typically lays three to four glossy white eggs. These martins frequently forage in mixed flocks with other swallows and swifts, catching insects on the wing over valleys and ridgelines. They are adapted to high elevations and often perform short local movements following weather and insect availability.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile flier with rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Forms tight colonies on rock faces where pairs build enclosed mud nests. Generally monogamous during the breeding season, with both sexes participating in nest construction and chick rearing. Outside nesting, birds forage in loose flocks and often associate with other hirundines and swifts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched twittering series of chirps and trills given during flight and at the colony. Calls are frequent contact notes used to maintain cohesion while foraging over cliffs and valleys.
