Using citizen science to assess drivers of Common House Martin Delichon urbicum breeding performance

摘要: Many hirundine (swallows and martins) species are declining throughout their ranges. The Common House Martin Delichon urbicum is a migratory that breeds Europe but has shown recent declines in some parts of the UK, particularly south. We conducted large‐scale citizen science survey to assess how breeding performance Martins, measured by number attempted broods nest success, influenced nest‐specific, landscape weather factors. Pairs eastern UK started earlier than those west, was higher regions. There no effect latitude on either aspect performance, so our measures alone do not help explain differences population trends across UK. probability attempting multiple producing successful nests previously used newly built nests, artificial natural nests. Nests plastic soffits buildings were less likely be multi‐brooded compared with other materials. Suggested conservation therefore include discouraging removal old encouraging installation soffits. This study provides comprehensive insight into biology although findings show conclusively sole driver trends, they go way Martins ultimately provide information may conserve this species.