Wikipedia:Today's featured article/August 5, 2013

The Common House Martin is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia, and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is a noisy species, especially at its breeding colonies. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the Delichon genus, which are endemic to eastern and southern Asia. Its scientific name (Delichon urbicum) and common name both relate to its use of man-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies, but sometimes fouling below nests can be a problem. It is hunted by the Eurasian Hobby, and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites, although its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally. Its proximity to man has led to some cultural and literary references, including a description in Macbeth. (Full article...)

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