The Siberian house martin or eastern house martin is a passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It breeds in rocky areas of northeastern Russia, Mongolia and northern China and winters in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. It was formerly considered conspecific with the western house martin.
Region
Northeast Asia to Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern Russia (Siberia), Mongolia, and northern China, favoring rocky cliffs, gorges, and escarpments near open foraging areas. In the non‑breeding season it moves south to winter in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and adjacent regions. It forages over open countryside, river valleys, lakeshores, and forest edges. Colonies are typically near water and open airspace that concentrate aerial insects. During passage it may occur in towns and villages but remains closely tied to natural cliff habitats in much of its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the eastern house martin, it was formerly treated as conspecific with the western/common house martin. The species name lagopodum refers to its notably feathered legs and toes. Unlike many house martins, it often nests on natural rock faces and cliffs as well as occasionally on buildings. It forms dense colonies and spends much of its time aerially hawking insects.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
agile with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, nesting in dense groups on cliffs or under eaves where suitable. Both sexes build enclosed mud nests and share incubation and chick‑rearing. Pairs are typically monogamous within a season and may reuse nests in successive years.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, twittering series of chirps and chatters delivered in flight and at the colony. Calls are conversational and constant while foraging, with sharper chips given during alarm.
