Bird Watcher's Digest: Home Bird Watcher's Digest Magazine The Backyard Birds Newsletter The Bird Watcher's Digest App Bird Watcher's Digest Nature Shop

Bird Identification

Swallows & Martins

in

Purple Martin

Progne subis L 8" (20 cm)

Photo by Maslowski Wildlife Productions.

Listen to a purple martin.

The purple martin is the largest of the eight swallow species that breed in North America. It weighs 55 grams (1.75 ounces), is about 7 to 8 inches long, and has a 14-inch wingspan. The male is a dark glossy purple-blue; females and juveniles are gray below.

Martins are the earliest tropical-wintering migrant to return to the North American continent, reaching Florida in early January. Their northward advance coincides with the emergence of the flying insects they need to survive. They are found only in the New World, breed only in Canada, the United States, and parts of Mexico, and winter in South America (mainly Brazil).

Although martins originally nested in natural cavities and old woodpecker cavities throughout their breeding range, today, east of the Rockies, they nest only in human-supplied housing. They are locally common where suitable housing is available.

The male song is is a low-pitched liquid gurgling, the female’s a mix of chortle calls and downslurred whistles. Martins have a variety of calls, with the most common being a descending cherr.

This sound file requires RealPlayer. Bird song courtesy of Lang Elliott, NatureSound Studio.

Wading Birds

SECTION FEATURES - FESTIVAL

You Might Like

Timelapse PlantCam

Watch your plants grow in fast-forward with the new Timelapse PlantCam. The PlantCam is rugged and weatherproof, and automatically takes photos and videos at set time intervals. It then stitches the photos together to create a video showing in minutes or seconds what usually can't be seen with the naked eye. The result is a seamless movie of your plants growing! Only $79.95 in our store!

Buy now »

Jack Pine Firebird—Kirtland's Warbler

The Jack Pine Firebird—Kirtland's Warbler lithograph by Charley Harper (1922-2007) is an open (unnumberd) edition hand-titled and stamped with his audio seal. The image was commissioned by Ford Times magazine and appeared in 1978. A certificate of authenticity from the Charley Harper Art Studio will accompany each print. Starts at $50.00 in our store.

Buy now »

The Young Birder's Guide to Birds of Eastern North America

This lively guide is an invitation to kids to get outside and look at birds. Unlike field guides for adults, which can be overwhelming, this one provides just the right amount of information to be useful and fun. Loaded with color photographs, drawings, interesting facts, range maps and an easy-to-use species checklist, it's the perfect companion for hours of birdwatching fun. Only $14.95 in our store!

Buy now »