ExploreBirds

Purple Martin

Progne subis

The Purple Martin is a beautiful bird with shiny purple feathers. They love to eat insects and can often be seen flying high in the sky. These birds are friendly and enjoy living near people.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Purple Martin is a large, sleek swallow with pointed wings and a forked tail. Males are entirely glossy, iridescent deep blue-purple, appearing black in dim light. Females and young birds have duller, greyish-white undersides, making them distinct from other swallows.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyHirundinidaeGenusProgne
Purple Martin
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Purple Martin

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Purple Martins eat up to 2,000 flying insects every single day!

Some martins travel over 10,000 miles each year during migration!

These birds can drink water mid-flight by skimming the surface of lakes!

They are the only North American bird that relies almost entirely on human-provided homes!

Special abilities

Ability

Aerial Insect Hunter

Purple Martins can catch flying insects mid-air because of their agile flight and wide gape, helping them get food.

Ability

Colony Nester

Purple Martins have a strong social instinct that helps them live together in large groups, often in human-made birdhouses.

Ability

Long-Distance Migrator

Purple Martins can fly thousands of kilometers between continents because of their strong wings and endurance, avoiding cold winters.

Measurements & details

Length
17-20 cm
Wingspan
39-41 cm
Weight
0.045-0.06 kg
Lifespan
5-7 years
Top Speed
64 km/h
Clutch Size
4-7
Incubation
15-18 days
Migration Distance
7000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds are expert aerial hunters, catching flying insects like dragonflies and wasps mid-air.

Primary Foods

  • Dragonflies
  • Butterflies
  • Flies
  • Beetles
  • Wasps
  • Moths

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Juvenile martins are sometimes prey for these swift raptors.

hunts

Green Darner

Anax junius

Purple Martins actively pursue and catch these large dragonflies.

eaten by

Purple Martin Bug

Oeciacus vicarius

These parasitic bugs feed on the blood of martins, especially nestlings.

depends on

Human

Homo sapiens

Eastern populations rely almost entirely on human-provided housing.

Traits

Also known as

Martin

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch these birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Purple Martin?

17-20 cm

What is Purple Martin's wingspan?

39-41 cm

How much does Purple Martin weigh?

0.045-0.06 kg

How long does Purple Martin live?

5-7 years

How fast can Purple Martin move?

64 km/h

What does Purple Martin eat?

These birds are expert aerial hunters, catching flying insects like dragonflies and wasps mid-air.

Where is Purple Martin usually found?

Urban areas

How does Purple Martin hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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