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purple martin (Progne subis)
CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.
IDENTIFICATION:
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Length: 7 inches
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Tiny bill
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Largest swallow
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Most often seen flying
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Will nest communally at martin houses in residential and agricultural areas
Adult male:
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Dark purple plumage, usually appears black
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Forked tail
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Immature males similar to female but may be splotched with dark purple
Adult female:
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Dark gray upperparts with some purple coloration
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Whitish underparts with gray breast band and throat with some speck- ling on sides and belly
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Forked tail
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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