What are purple martins?
The Purple Martin is the largest of the North American swallows. Adult males that are two years old and older haveglossy, purple-black plumage. Adult females are less colorful, with gray necks, foreheads, and underbellies, but they
can be nearly as purple on their backs as adult males. Purple Martins are a migratory species that breed along the
East Coast, West Coast and central portions of the United States, and in parts of Canada and Mexico. While martin
populations have grown in the East, their numbers have declined in the middle of the United States. This species nests
in open and semi-open areas, including savannas, cultivated lands, fields, parks, pastures, near lakes and marshes
and in towns and suburbs. Purple Martins can reach fairly high densities when nest boxes are present; however, in other
areas, they can be completely absent. Breeding season begins in late March in the southern part of the range, but not
until late May or early June in the northern parts. As with many native cavity-nesting species, Purple Martins compete
with House Sparrows and European Starlings for nest sites. In many regions, such as the eastern United States, martins
are extremely dependent on human-provided nest boxes. In the West, however, Purple Martins nest more frequently in
natural sites, such as abandoned woodpecker holes, cliff crevices, and in the cavities of trees. Nest building starts
about a month before the first egg is laid. Initially, pairs may begin to build in more than one cavity. But eventually
one cavity is chosen, and the male and female build a nest made of grass, stems, twigs, straw, bark, leaves, and mud.
The nest cup is lined with fine grasses and green leaves. Fresh green leaves are brought regularly until the eggs hatch.
The nest also has a mud or dirt rim that may prevent the eggs from rolling out. This rim also helps keep the weather
out, and it may restrict the reach of Great Horned Owls.
When should my martin house be installed?
What is the best location for my martin house?
Where can I see a model of the martin house?
What makes the Noel Johnson Purple Martin House the best?
What additional services are available?