subject: Purple Martin Birds, Birdhouses & Martin Colonies [print this page] Purple martins are the only North American bird that will nest together in multi-level birdhouse "condos" and create martin colonies of up to a hundred individuals. These birds are recognized for their iridescent purple plumage and have long been known for their insect-eating abilities. Centuries ago Native Americans luredmartin birdsto their home sites with natural hollowed out gourds. Today, martins have become increasingly dependent on man-made apartment-like birdhouses and nesting sites provided by humans.
Nest competition from starlings and house sparrows has contributed to a decline in the number of North America's largest sparrow. The Purple Martin Conservation Association is dedicated to the conservation and population growth of North America's largest swallow through scientific research and public education. The PMCA recommends opening your starling resistant birdhouse around the time when adult martins are first scheduled to begin arriving in your area. If necessary, briefly close the martin house to keep other competitor birds like starlings, house sparrows, bluebirds, tree swallows, flycatchers, and house wrens from claiming the nesting site.
When choosing a martin birdhouse or when building your own make sure it is lightweight, so it can be safely raised and lowered. Martin birdhouses should be light in color and ventilated to avoid overheating inside the house. Professionally designed birdhouses constructed with cool aluminum, reflective rooftops, and ceiling panels with proper ventilation provide healthy homes for martin birds. Starling resistant entrance holes, known as SREH entrances, are designed to resist predators and are recommended by the PMCA to help keepbirds safe when inside the birdhouse. Other features available with professional houses include separate entries and nesting rooms for eachfamily. This provides a protective staging area for young birds prior to flight; and greater protection from natural predators such as starlings, owls, coons, and hawks. Larger compartments also provide safety and allow martin families to yield more fledglings.
