A place to roost - Tree Martins in the city

Last updated 7 July 2025

Tree Martins are native swallow-like birds found across South Australia.

Around dusk, between January and May, many of this endangered species descend into Adelaide to roost in trees overnight. Once winter arrives, most of the birds move towards warmer climates as far as Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

The City of Adelaide is creating a liveable, green city with a strong focus on planting trees. These include Callery pear and Chinese elm trees found across the CBD. As many of these trees reach maturity, they are also providing habitat for wildlife, including Tree Martin colonies. 

Wildlife specialists believe the birds see city trees as safe havens with noise and light helping deter their predators.

A number of initiatives have been taken, and further work is being done to protect the birds in future roosting seasons in the CBD.

Some of the actions implemented include:

• Removed netting from a number of trees in nearby Leigh Street
• Refined lighting in Rundle Mall to help improve the Tree Martins ability to navigate around the infrastructure
• Supported Rundle Mall traders and retailers in relation to additional window treatments to reduce collisions with glass
• Engaged a skilled ornithologist to help inform decision-making.

The City of Adelaide is now working closely with Green Adelaide to develop a management plan, which will include long term solutions to improve the welfare of Tree Martins during their annual roosting season in the CBD.

For more information, please contact the City of Adelaide.

Image source: Wildlife Mountain website | Photo by Sharon McGrigor