Progne subis
Least Concern
Known for their striking iridescent purple-blue plumage and gurgling songs, the Purple Martin is a charming dweller of North and South America's open areas and suburban spaces. As the largest North American swallow, this glossy bird soars through the skies, its swift flight and aerial feeding acrobatics making it a captivating spectacle amidst the diverse bird life of the Americas.
Purple
Grey
Grey
Black, White
Grey, White
White, Black
Dark Purple
Grey
Grey
Short
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
Glossy dark purple body, forked tail
Grey-brown upperparts, white underparts
Similar to female
Forked and slightly rounded
Forked
Short, notched
19cm to 20cm
Length
39cm to 41cm
Wingspan
45g to 60g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Female Purple Martin in-flight
Juvenile Purple Martin
Purple Martin Female (left) and Male (right) at nesting site
Purple Martin resting on top of a rock
A colony of Purple Martins at a man-made bird house
Gurgling song and harsh alarm calls
A series of rich, gurgling, liquid notes
Sharp, harsh chirps
Active during the day, foraging in the morning and evening
Highly sociable, form large colonies during breeding season
Defends nesting site, often aggressive towards intruders
Migrates to South America in winter
Generally peaceful, but can be aggressive during breeding season
Insects, Spiders
Catches prey in flight
Throughout the day
Aerial foraging
Diet varies with season and location
None known
Artificial housing or natural cavities
Cup-shaped nest made of twigs and grass
Spring to early summer
One to two
White, unmarked
Approximately 2.5cm x 1.8cm
3-6 eggs
Around 15 days
Approximately 28-29 days
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
North and South America
Open areas near water, often near human habitation
Sea level to 1,500m
Migrates to South America in winter
Grassland, Urban, Suburban
Temperate, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Rare sightings in French Polynesia, Jamaica, St Pierre and Miquelon, the United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands.
Resident or Present
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
5
13
7 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous, often returning to same breeding site each year
Males become darker with age
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, competition for nesting sites
Provision of artificial nesting sites, protection of habitats
Population declining due to habitat loss and competition for nesting sites
Other names:
House Martin
Family:
HirundinidaePopulation size:
7,700,000
Population trend:
Decreasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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