Attracting Purple Martins

Do they need an air strip?  Yea, they sort of do.  You see Purple Martins like to fly 'into' or 'swoop in' their homes. Therefore they need their homes to be about 40 to 60' from any trees taller than the house is, and preferably within a few hundred feet of humans.  The birds need a wide space to approach the house from two sides, and they seem to know that people will protect them from their natural predators.  The activity of people does not seem to bother the Purple Martin at all.  What's all the rage about Purple Martins?  It has been told that Purple Martins can eat up to 2000 mosquitos a day, although there is no scientific research to back this up.  It is known however, that Purple Martins do feed only on flying insects such as mosquitos, flies, and other pests.  What a great companion for your backyard B-B-Q!!!

Do You Want to Be  a Purple Martin Landlord?

A purple martin landlord cannot simply erect a martin house, sit back, and enjoy the show! He/she must diligently fend off the competition and predators, clean out any sparrow nests, clean out the martin nests at the end of the season, and plug the entrance holes for the winter.  If these tasks don't send you packing, then purple martins may be the birds for you.  You will soon be rewarded with year after year of delightful families of purple martins. 

Where to set the house?

Purple Martin houses must be placed in an open area, in full sun most of the day, with a white exterior for coolness.  A Martin house can be any size from 4-6 compartments or more.  Housing should come with door plugs to close compartment holes during the off season and in early spring.  This is essential for keeping house sparrows and starlings from taking over martin housing.  A height of 12-20' for mounting a purple martin house is recommended, however keep in mind that the taller the pole the more susceptible it will be to high winds and storm damage.   Remember, poles need to be set in concrete for added strength.  Purple martins drink fresh water only, and can range over an area about 4 square miles, although many martin houses can be set side by side.    Just remember:  a purple martin may nest the first day you put up the house, or it may take several years. 

House Accessibility

If the house is 15' in the air, how do you clean it?  Any house system should raise and lower vertically.  Most Purple Martin systems come with a pole that can be raised and lowered.  This is necessary for two reasons; to allow for regular, sometimes daily removal of house sparrows and European starling nests, and to allow for safe and easy monitoring of nesting martins.  If house sparrows and European starling nests are allowed to nest in martin housing, they will not stay.  They chase and fight with martins, break their eggs and even kill nesting and adult martins.

How do you actually attract the Purple Martins?

Proper placement of the house, and predator maintenance are the two most important issues Purple Martins use when picking out their residence.  The area beneath the house should be clear of bushes or shrubs.  The martin will avoid houses that have clutter or bushes under them.  Similarly, they will avoid houses which can be reached by squirrels, even by a wire. Once you have your house placed, and martins have taken up residence, never move it! The martin may actually reject the it the following year if it is in a new location.

The birdhouses should not be opened until it's just about time for the first martins to arrive.  Opening your houses too soon will only invite sparrows and starlings to roost in your martin house.  The first to arrive are commonly called 'scouts', but they are actually the oldest martins.  In the Tulsa area we recommend opening your martin houses around mid-to late February.  This of course, all depends on the weather cycles.

Purple Martin Predators

Snakes and cats are the two worst predators for purple martins.  Using predator guards are always a good idea.  A product called TangleFoot® is ideal to keep predators from climbing up the pole.  Mites are one of the biggest problems for the off-spring.  We suggest putting sulfur under the sub-floor of your martin house to hopefully keep the mites from becoming a problem.  Sparrows are also a problem for purple martins.  Setting sparrow traps on your property will help somewhat in deterring them from your purple martin house.

Here are a few Purple Martin Facts you may find interesting:

• Purple Martins pair after they find a nesting site.

• Pair bond lasts only one nesting season.

• Purple Martins will eat egg shells which helps boost their calcium intake.

• Always paint your Purple Martin house white to help keep them cool.

• Most success in occupancy occurs when the houses are placed closer to human houses and away from tree lines.

• Regular monitoring is an important part of successful purple martin management.

Pay close attention to the map below and have your purple martin feeders ready when the birds are

making their migration through your area.