purple martin (Progne subis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 7 inches

• Tiny bill

• Largest swallow

• Most often seen flying

• Will nest communally at martin houses in residential and agricultural         areas

Adult male:

• Dark purple plumage, usually appears black

• Forked tail

• Immature males similar to female but may be splotched with dark            purple

Adult female:

• Dark gray upperparts with some purple coloration

• Whitish underparts with gray breast band and throat with some speck-         ling on sides and belly

• Forked tail

• Immature plumages similar to female

Similar species:

The male purple martin is easily told from other swallows by its entirely
dark plumage. It is vaguely similar to the starling but has a smaller bill,
longer wings and a darker plumage. Female purple martins are similar
to bank and northern rough-winged swallows but are larger, and flap
more slowly. At close range, the darker upperparts of the martin are
evident.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Urban
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Cavity
Clutch Size: 3-8
Length of Incubation: 15-18 days
Days to Fledge: 26-31
Number of Broods: 1-3
Diet: Exclusively insects

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May O
      Su - Summer: June, July, August O
      Fall: September, October, November

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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