How to Take Care of Purple Martins

Purple martins are the largest swallow in North America and have a blue-black coloring; females have a gray underside. According to the Purple Martin Society Online Manual, purple martins east of the Mississippi are almost completely reliant on human help because of competition and predation. The relationship between humans and the martins takes on a landlord/tenant system, so caring for purple martins comprises more than just putting out a bird house. Once the martins are attracted and choose the house, steps must be taken to help them survive.

Things You'll Need

  • Purple martin bird house
  • Predator deterrents
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide the proper birdhouse. The house should be stable and situated between 10 and 20 feet high. Premanufactured houses designed for purple martins may be purchased on line. Many are mounted on telescopic poles, which can be easily lowered for routine house maintenance.

      Purple martins like to socialize, so a house with plenty of rooms is best; many purple martin houses are quite extravagant. Although some purple martin houses can be pricey, high-quality houses can be used for many generations of purple martins to come.

    • 2

      Maintain the bird house. Clean it out after the martins migrate and prepare it for their spring return. Evict any competitive birds that happen to move in, including starlings and sparrows, which will take over if allowed. Martins will not nest if these birds are present, as they out compete and attack the martins. If maintenance is required, it can be performed with the martins present.

    • 3

      Protect the purple martins from predators, such as raccoons, opossums, cats and owls. Purple martins are very susceptible to predators, and if they feel threatened, they will abandon the house and avoid it in the future. Install on the pole a cone guard, diameter 36 to 40 inches, or a stove-type baffle or one of the other commercial animal barriers, to prevent mammals from climbing up to the house. Other guard types, such as metal sheets, are available. Guards designed to repel owls also are available.