Purple Martin

About the Purple Martin
Purple Martin

The Purple Martin North America's largest swallow. They have a lot of speed and agility in flight, and when approaching their housing, will dive from the sky with their wings tucked at great speeds.

It is the only bird totally dependent on humans for nest sites.

Their breeding habitat is open areas across eastern North America, and also some locations on the west coast from British Columbia to Mexico. This species typically breeds in colonies located in close proximity to human housing. The eastern nominate race nests exclusively in man-made bird houses, of which about a million are provided.

Find cute products & gifts with our Birdorable Purple Martin

Details & Statistics

International Names

Related Articles

Interesting Facts About Swallows, Martins, and Saw-wings

This week we're celebrating Swallows! Swallows, along with Martins and Saw-wings, belong to the songbird family Hirundinidae. There are about 90 species in this widespread family. We've got a handful here in the Birdorable family, and we'll be adding a few more as our celebration of Swallows...  Read more »

Cute gifts with this bird

Designs with this bird