Purple Martin
Progne subis
In the eastern United States, Purple Martins are almost entirely dependent on human-provided nesting sites, a tradition that began with Native Americans hanging hollowed gourds.
- Scientific name
- Progne subis
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Hirundinidae › Progne
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- urban
- Habitat
- Open woodlands, meadows, and residential areas near water.
- Diet
- Obligate aerial insectivore, consuming dragonflies, flies, beetles, and wasps.
- Range
- North America, South America, Central America
- Size
- Length: 20cm; Wingspan: 38-41cm; Weight: 45-60g
- Lifespan
- 5-7 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Competition from invasive House Sparrows and European Starlings, pesticide-driven declines in insect populations, and extreme weather during migration.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and beneficial insectivores. Maintain a respectful distance from nesting gourds or houses to avoid stressing the colony. If you find an injured bird or a fallen fledgling, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The purple martin ( Progne subis ) is the largest North American swallow. They are known for their speed and agility in flight, and when approaching their housing, will dive from the sky at great speeds with their wings tucked.
Photo: B. Phalan, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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