Purple Martin

About the Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is the largest swallow in North America, known for its glossy dark plumage and graceful, fast flight. Often seen sweeping across open skies over lakes and fields, they catch flying insects in midair. In many areas of the eastern United States, Purple Martins rely almost entirely on human-provided nesting houses.

Fun Facts

• Aerial Insect Hunters: Purple Martins catch flying insects while in motion, rarely landing to feed.
• Community Nesters: They prefer to nest in colonies, often using specially designed martin houses or gourds provided by people.
• Glossy Males: Adult males appear deep purple in sunlight, though their feathers are actually an iridescent blue-black.
• Long-Distance Migrants: They travel thousands of miles to winter in South America before returning north each spring.