Purple Martin

Purple Martin

Purple Martin: Large, vocal swallow with glossy dark purple-blue body and forked tail. It is the largest North American swallow. Black bill, legs and feet. Stong, graceful flight, alternates a few rapid wing beats with long glides. Catches and eats insects in flight and also forages on the ground.

● Song: "tee-tee-tee"

● Foraging & Feeding: Purple Martin: Feeds on flying insects; catches prey in mid-air, flying at up to 45 mph or more when foraging. Weather unfavorable for insect activity lasting three or more days puts it at risk of starvation.

● Breeding & nesting: Purple Martin: Three to eight white eggs are laid in a cavity lined with mud, grass, and other plant material. Most nest in colonies in man-made birdhouses in developed areas and parklands. Incubation ranges from 15 to 18 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Purple Martin: Male is distinct; female is larger and flaps more slowly than Bank and Northern Rough-winged swallows.

Flight Pattern