Delichon

House Martin ( Delichon urbicum )

Delichon is a genus within the family of swallows. The three associated species are native to Eurasia. In addition to the widespread also in Central Europe House Martin (D. urbicum ) include the Nepal Swallow ( D. nipalensis ) and the Asian House Martin (D. Dasypus ) to this genus. " Delichon " is an anagram of the ancient Greek word χελιδών chelidon for "Swallow ".

Characteristic of the species of the genus are the blue-black to black body top, the white hull and white rump. The body length is 10 to 12 inches. The outer differences between the three types are low.

The range of the House Martin is at its greatest. It stretches from Europe to Asia. This species is long- distance migrants; a large proportion of the European population winters in an area that extends from the southern border of the Sahara to the Cape Province. The Asian House Martin is confined to Asia; their area closes to the south by the range of the House Martin at. The smallest area of ​​distribution has the Nepal swallow, it extends from Burma to China. It breeds on vertical rock walls and vegetation-free.

All three species are considered safely.