A place to roost - Tree Martins in the city

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.

A swirling flock is often seen overhead before plummeting in a coordinated rush to avoid resident falcons. It can be quite a spectacle to witness.

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.

Sadly, over recent weeks, Tree Martins have died or been injured after flying into existing infrastructure and shops.

The City of Adelaide is working closely with wildlife rescue specialists, environmental agencies and retailers to improve the welfare of Tree Martins roosting in the CBD. A range of initiatives are now being implemented based on expert advice.

If you see a bird on the ground, please alert a wildlife rescue volunteer on the scene.

If you cannot see a volunteer, you can contact a wildlife rescue organisation including:

We are very grateful to wildlife rescue volunteers who are tending to, and caring for, injured and impacted birds and understand, this can be distressing. If you are a volunteer and need support, Black Dog Institute which offers services to first responders including wildlife rescue volunteers.

While, as winter approaches, most of the birds move towards warmer climates as far as Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, the City of Adelaide is committed to working on long term solutions to support Tree Martins to roost safely in the city.

Working together

The City of Adelaide is working closely with city traders to improve the welfare of Tree Martins during their annual roosting season in the CBD.

Some of the actions being implemented include:

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

These initiatives are just some of steps we are taking for the remainder of the season and further work will be done to protect the birds in future seasons.

Information for Rundle Mall traders.

More information

Information for Rundle Mall traders

For more information, please contact the City of Adelaide.