Purple Martins

Purple Martins are native songbirds in the swallow family.

East of the Rocky Mountains, Purple Martins nest almost exclusively in human-supplied housing. They are dependent on us for their survival. They are one of America’s most well-loved songbirds for many reasons; their chattering song, aerial acrobatics, insect-eating habits and their tolerance of humans.

Whether you are a seasoned Purple Martin landlord or just starting out there’s always something new and exciting to learn about martins.

Biology – Learn about the basic Purple Martin biology, their songs and calls, nesting habits, and the life cycle of the Purple Martin.

Identification – Have a Purple Martin at your colony site? View the different plumages and characteristics between the Purple Martin ages and sexes, as well as how to make sure what you see is a Purple Martin, and not an imposter

Attracting – Ready to attract Purple Martins? Learn about housing placement, when to open the cavities and the best ways to attract martins.

Managing – Now that you have an active colony site, what’s next? Learn how to conduct nest checks, how to manage predators, and how to troubleshoot any problems.

History – Learn about how Purple Martins came to be managed by humans

Housing Standards – What to look for in Purple Martin housing

Migration – Where do Purple Martins go when they leave the colony site?

Competitors – Need help dealing with House Sparrows, starlings, Tree Swallows, or bluebirds?

Troubleshooting Problems – Dealing with predation, cold weather, or drought?