House Martin

A taxidermy model of a House Martin, mounted on the side of a mud nest. The nest is cylindrical, but forms a cone of sorts, with a wide base which narrows to the top, where there is a circular hole. The nest appears to be fashioned out of mud, twigs and foliage all packed together to form a solid mass, as is the practice of house martins. It is quite fragile to handle, with the object label adhered on the inside, along the bottom edge. The bird itself is almost lying on the nest, head turned to the viewers right when face to face. It's feathers are quite ruffled and scruffy, particularly the inside edges of the wings, which are half unfolded.

Museum number: Z231