What is a purple martin?
The purple martin ( Progne subis) is a passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It is the largest swallow in North America. Despite its name, the purple martin is not truly purple.
What does a purple martin swallow look like?
Purple martins are sexually dimorphic. Adult males are entirely black with glossy steel blue sheen, the only swallow in North America with such coloration. Adult females are dark on top with some steel blue sheen, and lighter underparts. Adults have a slightly forked tail.
Are purple martins and Swifts the same thing?
That being said, birders still need to take care not to confuse purple martins with swifts, which may also have dark underparts, though they have a very different flight style and overall body shape. Different ages and genders of purple martins migrate at different times.
Do purple martins have any enemies?
The purple martin’s worst enemies are the European starling and the house sparrow. Both of these species are aggressive toward purple martins and may attack or kill birds in competition for nesting sites. Other enemies of purple martins include snakes, raccoons, hawks, owls, squirrels, and feral cats.
Are purple martins part of the swallow family?
Purple Martins are native songbirds in the swallow family. Several other species of swallows are found in North America. Each is unique in color, size, shape and behavior. Look for swallows in your backyard, flying near water and over open ground or perched on wires!
Are purple martins related to barn swallows?
Close cousin of the purple martin is our hard-working summertime visitor, the barn swallow.
Do tree swallows and Purple Martins get along?
It is not unheard of to have a martin colony and tree swallow nest within close proximity of each other and as long as they each have their own space, then all will get along just fine.
Is a Martin a type of swallow?
martin, any of several swallows belonging to the family Hirundinidae (order Passeriformes). In America the name refers to the purple martin (Progne subis) and its four tropical relatives—at 20 cm (8 inches) long, the largest American swallows.
What is the difference between a tree swallow and a barn swallow?
Male Barn Swallows are a beautiful cobalt blue with rusty red forehead and red feathers below their bills. Their bellies vary from buffy tan to cinnamon colored. Tree Swallows breed in the wetlands and fields of Cape Ann. Their name comes from the species habit of nesting in tree cavities.
What kind of bird houses do barn swallows like?
Barn swallows build nests of mud pellets reinforced with grass or straw and lined with fine grass and feathers attached to ceiling rafters or walls near a ceiling almost always in open barns or other out buildings, country churches, long covered bridges of New England, beneath piers or open boat houses, sometimes under ...
How do you attract purple martins?
How to Attract Purple Martins to Your GardenConstruct housing in an open area. As wild birds, purple martins are more likely to nest in an area that isn't too close to human housing. ... Install housing on a telescoping pole. ... Keep predators at bay. ... Deter other bird species. ... Use a little trickery.
What kind of nest do purple martins build?
Purple Martins build their nests out of small twigs, straw, bark, and mud; and line the nest bowl with green leaves. They build a flat nest, only about 1 to 3 inches high and some nests feature a mud dam, or lip, at the front of the nest. Adult and subadult nests can vary.
How big is a purple martin?
Purple martins are a kind of swallow, of the genus Progne. With an average length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a wingspan up to 38 cm (15 in), they are also the largest amongst the 90 some species in the family Hirundinidae.
Where do purple martins breed?
Purple martins' breeding range is throughout temperate North America. Their breeding habitat is open areas across eastern North America, and also some locations on the west coast from British Columbia to Mexico. Martins make their nests in cavities, either natural or artificial. In many places, humans put up real or artificial hollow gourds, or houses for martins, especially in the east, where purple martins are almost entirely dependent on such structures. As a result, this subspecies typically breeds in colonies located in proximity to people, even within cities and towns. This makes their distribution patchy, as they are usually absent from areas where no nest sites are provided. Western birds often make use of natural cavities such as old woodpecker holes in trees or saguaro cacti.
What are the sounds of a tchew wew?
They are known to chirp, chortle, rattle, and croak. Their various calls are described as "throaty and rich" and can be rendered as tchew-wew, pew pew, choo, cher, zweet and zwrack. The males have a gurgling and guttural courtship song, a dawn song, and even a subsong used at the end of the breeding season.
How many eggs do purple martins lay?
Purple martins are generally known to raise only a single brood. The average clutch size is four to six eggs per nest. Females lay one egg a day and incubation begins when the penultimate (second to last) egg is laid. Incubation lasts 15–16 days and the female is the main incubator, with some help from the male.
How do purple martins help humans?
subis) are considered synanthropic, meaning they have developed an association with humans over time and benefit from living in close proximity to them. Through years of generational imprinting and nesting the eastern species has made a complete transition from nesting in the wild to relying on human-provided nesting sites. Initially difficult to get a colony started, once established, the colony will persist as long as nesting sites are available. Martins have a very strong "site tenacity" and if are successful in raising a brood, will often return to the same site to nest year after year.
What is the largest swallow in North America?
The purple martin ( Progne subis ), from the Passeriformes order, is the largest swallow in North America. Despite their name, purple martins are not truly purple. Their dark blackish-blue feathers have an iridescent sheen caused by the refraction of incident light giving them a bright blue to navy blue or deep purple appearance.
Do European starlings compete with martins?
European starlings and house sparrows compete with martins for nest cavities. Where purple martins once gathered by the thousands, by the 1980s they had all but disappeared. There is a misconception among many people of purple martin temperament.
What is a purple martin?
Purple Martins are fairly large birds, roughly the size of starlings and almost as big as robins in flight. A martin tail is fan-shaped when completely spread, but looks like a shallow V when they are perching or when flying with it not completely spread.
What is the largest swallow in the world?
Purple Martins are our largest swallow, but we have up to 5 other species of swallows which are very easily confused with martins: Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Bank Swallows, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow s. These swallows are all about 60% the size of martins.
What color is a barnie's back?
Barnies have a steely irridescent blue back that may look purple to some folks, but their underside is buffy orange and they have white spots on the underside of their tail. Their tail is extremely forked - the deepest "V" of all swallows.
Why are Swifts called flying cigars?
Swifts are called "flying cigars" because of their short, stubby tail. Swifts are about 60% the size of martins and their wings often beat with much faster, fluttery strokes - kind of like bats. Swifts usually fly in groups, hunting together. They chatter constantly as they hunt.
Do martins have white breasts?
Tree Swallows have a much whiter breast than any martins do - female and young martins have a light breast, but it is much dirtier looking than that of Tree Swallows. The backs of Tree Swallows is an irridescent blue/green except for young birds which have a brown back.
Can you get more than one purple martin?
Purple Martins have become so uncommon in much of the northern US that many folks don't know how to recognize them. One of the biggest mistakes a new Purple Martin landlord hopeful can make is to misidentify Tree Swallows as martins and allow them to occupy the martin house. If you never get more than one pair of "martins" in your martin house -or- ...
Do barnies build nests in Martin houses?
Barnies will NOT build a nest in a martin house; instead, they build mud shelf nests in barns, porches, and under the roof overhang of houses. On Michigan lakes they love to build their mud nest under boat canopies and even between the pontoons of boats, just inches above the water. Here are photos of Barn Swallows:
Where do purple martins nest?
Purple Martins head north again with the warming spring temperatures that signal the emergence of flying insects, setting up nesting territories in open spaces close to wetlands, swamps, or wet meadows, where large numbers of insects breed. These are highly social birds, usually nesting in good-sized colonies. After the breeding season is completed, they form large, noisy flocks, roosting and even migrating together.
What are the threats to purple martins?
Threats to Purple Martin. Pesticides, particularly the newer neonicotinoid insecticides, are a serious threat to the Purple Martin and other aerial insectivores, both on their breeding grounds and their wintering grounds in South America.
What are the factors that contribute to the decline of martins?
Widespread pesticide use and collisions with man-made structures are among the factors contributing to this species' decline. In addition, aggressive introduced species such as House Sparrows and European Starlings out-compete martins for nest sites.
What is the largest swallow in North America?
The Purple Martin, North America's largest swallow, is a swift and skilled flyer: The birds eat, drink, and even bathe on the wing. The species is part of a group of birds known as aerial insectivores—birds that feed on airborne insects—which includes swifts, swallows, the Chuck-will's-widow, and the Olive-sided Flycatcher, to name a few.
Do purple martins live in woodpecker holes?
Purple Martins are cavity-nesters, normally reusing old woodpecker holes, but populations in the eastern part of the U.S. depend almost exclusively on manmade housing. The practice of removing dead trees in many forests has eliminated natural cavities used by the martin.
Do purple martins eat humans?
Purple Martins and People. Unlike many native birds, the Purple Martin thrives in close proximity to humans. This relationship dates back to the Native Americans, who hung empty gourds for Purple Martin nests. Most people welcome Purple Martin neighbors, as these birds are agile hunters and eat large quantities of winged insects.
What is the difference between a bank swallow and a purple martin?
Bank Swallows are smaller than Purple Martins , with brown upperparts and a crisp, dark-brown bar across the upper chest, a field mark that female Purple Martins lack.
Where do martins nest?
In the West, nests in holes in trees with dozens of martins nesting nearby.
What type of bird has a long bill and short wings?
European Starlings have longer bills and short triangular wings that give them a choppy flight style instead of the smooth, rowing flight of the long-winged Purple Martins.
Is a tree swallow smaller than a purple martin?
Tree Swallows are smaller than Purple Martins with shorter squared tails. They are cleaner white below than female Purple Martins.
What do purple martins eat?
Purple martins have an insectivorous diet, which means they eat primarily flying insects such as moths, gnats, flies, and mosquitoes.
What color is a purple martin?
Male purple martins are the only North American swallow with a dark belly .
Why do purple martins hang gourds?
Native Americans would hang gourds for the birds to nest in, hoping to attract them to their land in order to help keep insects away from their crops. Today, eastern purple martin colonies are almost 100 percent dependent on human-supplied housing, though western populations still nest in natural cavities such as tree snags or abandoned woodpecker holes.
How many mosquitoes do purple martins eat?
Because of this height, mosquitoes make up only a small portion of their daily diet, despite the belief that the birds can eat up to 2,000 mos quitoes per day. They probably could consume that many, but mosquitoes are not generally found at a purple martin's feeding height in such large numbers.
How often do purple martins feed their chicks?
Purple martin parents may feed their chicks up to 60 times a day, bringing them various insects that are high in protein and other nutrients the young birds require. Both male and female adult purple martins help feed their young chicks. Purple martins are easily impacted by bad weather.
How big is a purple martin?
With a height of 7 to 8 inches and a wingspan up to 15 inches, purple martins are the largest swallows in North America and one of the largest of the world's roughly 90 swallow and martin bird species.
How long do purple martins live?
The longest recorded lifespan of a purple martin was over 13 years. Purple martins can reach flight speeds of more than 40 miles per hour. They're also agile in-flight hunters and can engage in complex aerial acrobatics, which they often do while chasing prey.
How old is the Purple Martin?
The oldest Purple Martin on record was at least 13 years, 9 months old, banded in 1933 and found in 1947. It lived in Illinois.
What is pushing purple martins out of their nests?
European Starlings and House Sparrows often push Purple Martins out of local areas by taking over all of the nest sites, including houses that people put up specifically for the martins.
Why do martins put out eggshells?
You can put out crushed eggshells to give the martins a source of grit for digesting insect exoskeletons.
What organization supports the study of the Purple Martin?
The Purple Martin Conservation Association supports the study of the Purple Martin and provides information on its website. The Purple Martin Society of North America also provides information on martins and martin houses.
Where do martins nest?
In the West, martins mainly still nest the old-fashioned way—in woodpecker holes . Our largest swallows, Purple Martins perform aerial acrobatics to snap up flying insects. At the end of the breeding season they gather in big flocks and make their way to South America. More ID Info.
Do martins nest in woodpecker holes?
In the East, dark, glossy-blue males and brown females will peer from the entrances and chirp from the rooftops all summer. In the West, martins mainly still nest the old-fashioned way—in woodpecker holes. Our largest swallows, Purple Martins perform aerial acrobatics to snap up flying insects. At the end of the breeding season they gather in big ...
Do purple martins come back?
Despite the term "scout" used for the first returning Purple Martins, the first arriving individuals are not checking out the area to make sure it is safe for the rest of the group. They are the older martins returning to areas where they nested before. Martins returning north to breed for their first time come back several weeks later. The earlier return of older individuals is a common occurrence in species of migratory birds.
Where do Purple Martins nest?
Like Tree Swallows, Purple Martins are obligate secondary cavity-nesters. They must nest in cavities but are unable to make their own. Under original (pre-human) conditions Purple Martins probably relied on woodpecker holes and natural cavities in large trees and cactus plants.
What are Purple Martin population trends?
Human-managed Purple Martin colonies, some with hundreds of nesting pairs, have dramatically increased martin numbers from the pre-human days when they probably nested in isolated pairs or small groups.
What are some possible reasons martins use concentrated housing today?
Why have eastern martins switched to such an unnatural mode of nesting? One factor may be that “martin house” nesting opportunities now vastly outnumber the old, hole-filled tree snags where martins once nested.
Does Purple Martin housing attract other birds?
Concentrations of cavities put out for Purple Martins do attract other cavity nesting species. Starlings, House Sparrows, Bluebirds, and Tree Swallows all view martin apartments and gourds as potential homes.
What problems do the competing species cause for Purple Martin hobbyists?
These four martin competitors pose different levels of problems for martin lovers. Starlings and House Sparrows harass and drive away adult martins, break their eggs and kill their young. However, both starlings and House Sparrows are unprotected non-native birds. Therefore, hobbyists can prevent them from nesting and even kill them if need be.
How To Keep House Sparrows And Starlings Out Of Martin Houses
Purple Martin landlords find that utilizing Starling resistant entrance holes is an effective method. What’s interesting is, thanks to Mr. Charles McEwen, a specific opening shape to gourd houses or Purple Martin houses is effective in preventing Starlings from entering.
Installing Purple Martin Houses: Best Methods To Attract Purple Martins
Attracting Purple Martins to your yard starts with installing attractive housing options that will turn you into a Purple Martin landlord.
Where Purple Martins Are Most Commonly Found
The success of attracting Purple Martins to your yard is largely dependent upon your location. Let’s face it, there is no need to worry about deterring other birds from taking up residence in your purple Martin birdhouse if you live in an area where Martins are not found.
Overview
The purple martin (Progne subis) is a passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It is the largest swallow in North America. Despite its name, the purple martin is not truly purple. The dark blackish-blue feathers have an iridescent sheen caused by the refraction of incident light giving them a bright blue to navy blue or deep purple appearance. In some light they may even app…
Taxonomy
In 1750 the English naturalist George Edwards included an illustration and a description of the purple martin in the third volume of his A Natural History of Uncommon Birds. He used the English name "The Great American Martin". Edwards based his hand-coloured etching on a preserved specimen that had been brought to London from the Hudson Bay area of Canada by James Isham. When in 1758 the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus updated his Systema Naturae for the tenth editi…
Description
With an average length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a wingspan up to 38 cm (15 in), the purple martin is the largest amongst the 90 some species in the family Hirundinidae.
Measurement ranges:
• Length: 7.5–7.9 in (19–20 cm)
• Weight: 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g)
Distribution and habitat
Purple martins' breeding range is throughout temperate North America. Their breeding habitat is open areas across eastern North America, and also some locations on the west coast from British Columbia to Mexico. Martins make their nests in cavities, either natural or artificial. In many places, humans put up real or artificial hollow gourds, or houses for martins, especially in the east, where …
Behaviour and ecology
Males arrive in breeding sites before females, and establish their territory. A territory can consist of several potential nest sites. After forming a pair, both the male and female inspect available nest sites. This process is complicated by the fact that artificial nest sites could be houses with many rooms, clustered gourds, or single gourds. The nest is made inside the cavity of such artificial st…
Relationship with humans
Purple martins (nominate form P. s. subis) are considered synanthropic, meaning they have developed an association with humans over time and benefit from living in close proximity to them. Through years of generational imprinting and nesting the eastern species has made a complete transition from nesting in the wild to relying on human-provided nesting sites. Initially difficult to get a colony started, once established, the colony will persist as long as nesting sites …
Conservation status
Purple martins suffered a severe population crash in the 20th century widely linked to the release and spread of European starlings in North America. European starlings and house sparrows compete with martins for nest cavities. Where purple martins once gathered in the thousands, by the 1980s they had all but disappeared.
Sources
• American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) (2000). Forty-second supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds. Auk 117 (3): 847–858. doi:10.1642/0004-8038(2000)117[0847:FSSTTA2.0.CO;2]
• Cisneros-Heredia, Diego F. (2006). "Información sobre la distribución de algunas especies de aves de Ecuador". ["Information on the distribution of some species of birds of Ecuador"]. Boletín de la Sociedad Antioqueña de Ornitología 16 (1): 7–16. [Sp…
Ecology
Conservation
- Widespread pesticide use and collisions with man-made structures are among the factors contributing to this species' decline. In addition, aggressive introduced species such as House Sparrows and European Starlings out-compete martins for nest sites. Pesticides, particularly the newer neonicotinoid insecticides, are a serious threat to the Purple Martin and other aerial insec…
Effects
- Purple Martins are vulnerable to unseasonably cold or wet weather. A sudden cold snap lasting more than three or four days can decimate flying insect numbers, starving the birds to death.
Breeding
- Purple Martins exhibit a very high level of site fidelity. Once they have bred successfully at a specific location, the same individuals return year after year.
Distribution and habitat
- Purple Martins are long-distance migrants, wintering in the Amazon Basin along waterways and wetlands. They can also be found at ABC-supported Barba Azul Reserve in Bolivia during the winter, along with other North American migrants such as Bobolink and Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Behavior
- Purple Martins head north again with the warming spring temperatures that signal the emergence of flying insects, setting up nesting territories in open spaces close to wetlands, swamps, or wet meadows, where large numbers of insects breed. These are highly social birds, usually nesting in good-sized colonies. After the breeding season is completed, they form large, noisy flocks, roost…