Purple Martin

Progne subis

Soaring through skies from North to South America, this largest swallow in the New World dazzles with its aerial acrobatics and vibrant plumage.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

Purple Martins are the largest North American swallows. Adult males are unmistakable, with their glossy, iridescent purple-blue plumage covering most of their body. Their wings and tail are black, creating a striking contrast.

Females and immature birds are less colorful, with a mix of grey and brown upperparts and lighter underparts. They often have a faint collar and some purple sheen, though not as pronounced as in males.

Size

Length

18cm to 20cm

Wingspan

38cm to 46cm

Weight

45g to 60g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Iridescent Purple Blue

Secondary Colour

Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown

Secondary Colour (Female)

Grey White

Beak Colour (Female)

Black

Leg Colour (Female)

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Purple Martin can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Purple Martin can be found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Purple Martin can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Purple Martin is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Purple Martins breed across much of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. They prefer open areas near water, including fields, parks, and wetlands. In eastern North America, they almost exclusively nest in human-provided housing.

During winter, Purple Martins migrate to South America, primarily to Brazil and surrounding countries. They can be found in both rural and urban areas, often roosting in large numbers in city centers before continuing their journey.

Elevation Range

Up to 3,200 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Purple Martin. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons