Purple Martin

The Purple Martin (Progne subis), a member of the swallow family Hirundinidae, is the largest North American swallow. This bird is not truly purple; its dark blackish-blue plumage gleams with an iridescent sheen, often appearing bright blue to navy or deep purple, and sometimes even green, depending on the light.

Identification Tips

Adult males are a uniform glossy steel blue, the only North American swallow with such coloration. Adult females have dark upper parts with some blue sheen and lighter underparts. Both sexes have a slightly forked tail. Subadults are similar to females but lack the sheen and have a browner back, with males showing a patchy black pattern on their chests during molt.

Habitat

Purple Martins prefer open areas for breeding and are often found near human habitations. They nest in cavities, relying heavily on artificial structures provided by humans, such as houses or gourds, especially in the east. In the west, they may use natural cavities like old woodpecker holes or cacti.

Distribution

Breeding ranges from central Alberta through the eastern United States, with subspecies in Baja California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They winter in South America, with a range extending into Ecuador but not far up the Andean foothills.

Behaviour

Known for their speed and agility, Purple Martins exhibit a mix of rapid flapping and gliding flight patterns. They dive at great speeds with tucked wings when approaching their nesting sites, reminiscent of the hunting stoop of a peregrine falcon.

Song & Calls

Their vocalizations are varied and rich, including chirps, chortles, rattles, and croaks. Males have a distinctive gurgling courtship song, a dawn song, and a subsong at the end of the breeding season.

Breeding

Martins typically raise a single brood per season, with an average clutch of four to six eggs. Incubation lasts about 15–16 days, with fledging occurring between 26 and 32 days after hatching. Both parents care for the fledglings for up to a month post-fledging.

Diet and Feeding

As insectivores, Purple Martins catch insects mid-flight and are agile hunters. Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes do not make up a significant part of their diet. They have been observed feeding on invasive fire ants.

Conservation Status

Despite a severe population decline in the 20th century due to competition with European starlings and house sparrows for nesting sites, Purple Martins are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, their reliance on human-provided nesting structures poses a unique challenge for their conservation.