The House Martin is a small bird of the swallow family, characterized by brown plumage on its back and white plumage on its belly, with a distinctive, delicate brown band across its chest. It feeds mainly on insects caught in flight with skillful aerial maneuvers. The species is migratory and winters in Africa. It prefers habitats such as the sandy banks of rivers and lakes, where it digs tunnels to nest. The breeding season runs from May to July, during which 3–6 eggs are laid. It nests in colonies, often with dozens of nests clustered together.