Purple Martin Houses - Kitchen Cabinets

Purple martins are beloved songbirds that return each spring to nest in man-made houses. Providing housing for these migratory birds allows us to enjoy their aerial acrobatics, chatter, and help with controlling insects. Properly installing and maintaining purple martin houses enables these social swallows to successfully raise young.

Why Provide Housing for Purple Martins?

Purple martins are dependent on man-made nesting cavities. They originally nested in tree cavities and rock crevices but adapted long ago to using Native American gourd houses in the east. Today they rely almost entirely on human-provided nest boxes.

Here are some of the top reasons why people enjoy attracting purple martins with birdhouses:

Entertaining to Watch – Their swift, graceful flight and aerial maneuvers are thrilling to observe. Groups will dive and swoop in unison, often flying figure eights and looping back to their houses.
Social Chatter – Purple martins are vocal birds that fill the air with chortles, gurgles, croaks and song. Their communal colonies provide constant background noise.
Insect Control – A family can consume thousands of flying insects daily, including mosquitoes, flies, moths, wasps, and dragonflies. Martins are described as “mosquito vacuums.”
Reduce Starlings – Martins aggressively defend their houses, preventing starlings & sparrows from taking over compartments.
Scientific Study – Banding birds and monitoring colonies provides opportunities to study bird behavior, biology, and migration.

Attracting purple martins with properly installed and maintained housing lets people enjoy these unique birds up close. The whole family can gain an appreciation of nature by observing their behaviors.

Purple Martin House Designs

There are several common purple martin house designs:

Wooden Boxes

Rectangular or square in shape
Made of weather-resistant wood like cedar
Divided into compartments or “rooms”
6-12″ room sizes preferred
Varying number of compartments
Hinged roof for cleaning access
Mounted on pole with predator guard

Wooden boxes offer a traditional style of purple martin house that can last for decades with proper upkeep. Cedar resists rotting and provides natural insulation. Houses should have appropriate room sizes and entrances for martins.

Aluminum Houses

Round or square shape
Made of durable, lightweight aluminum
Compartments accessed by opening one side
6-12” room sizes preferred
Varying number of compartments
Pole mount with predator guard

Aluminum houses often mimic wooden houses but offer increased durability and lighter weight. High quality aluminum resists corrosion and cracking. Larger models can hold 20 or more room compartments.

Gourds

Made from natural or plastic gourds
Holes cut into side for entrance
Varying numbers of gourds mounted together
hung in racks or collars that prevent spinning
Gourds provide natural insulation

Gourd houses reflect the original nesting sites of purple martins in the Eastern US. Natural dried gourds with entrance holes are an eco-friendly option. Groups of plastic gourds are more affordable and durable.

Martin Condos

Multi-level houses
Stacked compartments on pole system
Allow large numbers of pairs in single site
Pulley system raises for cleaning/inspection
Stainless steel wire housing preferred

Martin condos feature multiple stories of compartments stacked atop each other, maximizing housing at a single location. A winch and pulley system allows the landlord to easily lower the condo for maintenance.

Ideal Purple Martin House Location

Properly situating purple martin housing helps attract birds and minimizes risks. Consider these tips for optimal placement:

Install houses in open areas with sweeping aerial access. Martins prefer unobstructed flight paths.
Choose sites 30-120 feet from human housing and activity. This provides privacy while allowing enjoyment of the colony.
Avoid close proximity to trees or wires. Hawks and owls lurk there and grab flying martins.
Place houses where prevailing winds blow, providing flight assistance.
Face entrances east or southeast for protection from hot westerly sun and winds.
Keep houses at least 20-30 feet from each other for territorial spacing between sub-colonies.
Position houses in the most elevated site available, such as on roof peaks. Martins prefer height for predator detection.

Scouting the best site in winter allows time for installing sturdy poles and predator guards to provide safe, appealing housing by spring’s arrival.

Mounting Purple Martin Houses

Mounting houses atop straight, sway-free poles establishes secure housing. Consider these pole specifications and tips:

Use steel, aluminum, or pine poles that are 20-30 feet tall. Greater height is preferred.
Set pole depth at 1/3 to 1/2 the total height for stability. Deeper is better.
Securely anchor poles in concrete below the frost line to prevent shifting.
Ensure poles are truly vertical with houses atop them. Plumb poles prevent leaning.
Position pole so prevailing winds blow into the compartment entrances.
Install pulleys on poles for condos to allow raising and lowering.
Apply white paint or reflective tape to poles to minimize heat absorption.
Place poles away from trees to avoid branches rubbing houses during wind.
Incorporate pole rotation sleeves for easy seasonal house direction shifting.

Proper pole selection, installation, and positioning provides durable long-term housing support success for colonies.

Purple Martin House Predator Guards

Predators like raccoons, snakes, owls, and hawks threaten nesting purple martins. Effective predator deterrents include:

Pole guards – Aluminum flashing or guards surround pole below houses to block climbing mammals.
Baffles – Cones or rings fitting beneath houses prevent predators from scaling pole.
Wire guards – Stainless steel wire cages secured around poles protect martins.
Trap boxes – Boxes mounted below houses trap attacking mammals for removal.
Owl decoys/guards – Plastic owl models or wire owl guards thwart owl attacks.
Snake repellents – Caulk cracks and use mothballs or garlic spray to deter snakes.
Routine checks – Monitor sites for signs of attempted predation. Look for scratch marks, damaged entrance holes, dead martins, or carcasses.

Combining multiple deterrents provides the best protection. Landlords should continually evaluate and improve defenses against persistent local predators. Keeping martin housing safe is essential.

Proper Purple Martin Housekeeping

Good purple martin landlords commit to annual housing upkeep and maintenance. Key housekeeping tasks include:

Winterize – Plug holes, take down gourds, disinfect, and repair over winter. Prevent drafts, leaks, parasites.
Spring cleaning – Use soap, water, disinfectant to thoroughly scrub each compartment before martins return. Eliminate parasites, old nests, droppings, and debris.
Mid-season cleanouts – Remove old nests/droppings after early broods fledge. Install clean fresh nests to encourage late nesting. Reduce parasites.
Routine monitoring – Check houses weekly for problems like leaks, parasites, predators, overcrowding. Record observations. Intervene promptly.
Annual maintenance – Refinish wood, touch up paint, inspect aluminum for cracks, fix weathering damage, reinforce loose holes/joints/guards. Replace deteriorated houses.
End of season prep – After martins migrate, seal holes, exclude sparrows, prepare for winter. Make repairs needed for next spring.

Consistent housekeeping and repairs ensure clean, predator-free, weather-tight housing that meets the nesting requirements of each season. Landlords must be diligent.

When to Offer Housing for Purple Martins

Purple martins are punctual in their spring arrivals. Here are guidelines for timing:

Keep houses closed until martins return. This prevents sparrow occupancy.
Put up gourds or open doors between March 15th-April 25th for scouts to inspect. Earlier in Deep South or Gulf States.
In northern states like Massachusetts or Wisconsin open in early April. Southern states open in March. Adjust according to your latitude.
If martins are present, immediately open all compartments so they can claim nest sites.
In cool weather open on sunny days when martins are actively scouting. Close at night if temps dip below freezing.
Expect the full colony to arrive and begin nesting within 1-2 weeks of scouts’ arrival.

Timing is key – too early leaves houses vulnerable to European starlings, too late risks martins choosing alternative sites. Know when martins historically arrive in your region.

How to Attract Purple Martins to Houses

Use these proven tips to maximize purple martin appeal and occupancy:

Provide houses with 6-12″ room sizes preferred by martins. Avoid smaller apartments.
Paint interiors white and regularly whitewash porous gourds. Brighter rooms appeal to martins.
Ensure interior compartment floors are rough and textured for nest gripping.
Deploy reliable predator deterrents around poles and houses. Guard against threats.
Monitor sites for initial scouts in early spring then immediately open all compartments.
Display decoys like plastic martins or owl guards to boost site appeal. Remove once occupied.
Play martin dawn song at sunrise to excite scouts inspecting houses.
Use craft mirrors, aluminum pie plates, mylar tape near doors to reflect light and draw interest.
Eliminate nearby starling or sparrow-occupied houses which deter martins. Flycatcher boxes are better alternatives.
Ensure porches, railings, and landing areas are spacious and unobstructed for flying access.
Clean, repair, and paint houses in the off season. Martins prefer tidy, quality housing.

Taking proven steps to optimize housing location, safety, and appeal helps establish thriving purple martin colonies.

Types of Purple Martin Nesting Compartments

Purple martins are very social birds that prefer to nest in colonies containing multiple pairs. Compartment-style houses allow division into “apartments” or cavities used by one pair for nesting. The most common types of compartments include:

Wooden Box Apartments

Made of weather-resistant cedar or redwood
Individual compartments divided by walls
Varying dimension from 6” x 6” up to 12” x 12”
Paired entrance holes 2–2 1⁄2” in diameter
Hinged roof lifts off for access to clean
Last for decades when well-maintained

Traditional wooden mating boxes with multiple compartments offer time-tested purple martin nesting sites. Cedar resists rotting and insulates compartments.

Aluminum Can Compartments

Made from durable lightweight aluminum
Cylindrical can shape with front entrance
Sizes range from 6” to 8” diameter
Attached in rows along rails in racks
One side opens entirely for cleaning access
Outlast wooden houses when cared for

Metal aluminum cans lined up in racks provide durable, well-insulated cavity options. Martins often reuse cans year after year.

Natural Gourd Apartments

Dried and hollowed-out gourds
Varying gourd types used, often bottle/dipper
Entrance holes 2-3 inches diameter
Hung in wire mesh racks or collars
Last 2-10 years depending on gourd quality
Biodegradable and eco-friendly

Natural gourds make attractive, traditional nest compartments. Holes are cut once gourds are dried and lightweight. Collars prevent spinning.

Plastic Gourd Cavities

Molded from durable plastics
Mimic natural gourd shapes
Lighter weight than real gourds
Entrance holes 2-3” diameter
Hang on wire racks like natural gourds
Can last 5-10+ years with care
More affordable option

Inexpensive plastic gourd houses offer a lighter, more uniform alternative to natural gourds. They resist weathering and last many seasons.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, various compartment types can safely accommodate martin pairs for many years.

Ideal Dimensions for Purple Martin Nest Compartments

Providing properly sized nesting cavities helps attract tenants. Consider these purple martin compartment guidelines:

Floor dimensions ranging 6-12 inches encourage occupancy.
Avoid compartments smaller than 6×6 inches – too cramped.
Larger rooms from 8-12 inches are preferred by martins.
Pair entrance holes 2 1/4 –2 1/2 inches in diameter.
Vertical height can be 6-8 inches tall for most designs.
Include porches or landing pads 3-4 inches below entrance holes.
Space compartments at least 4-6 inches apart to prevent squabbles.
Vary compartment heights and arrangements to resemble natural cavities.

Following these size recommendations helps provide attractive, comfortable nesting sites. Monitor occupancy rates and adjust offerings accordingly.

Number of Compartments Needed

The number of compartments needed depends on:

House type – Larger condos hold far more rooms than wooden boxes.
Colony size – More cavities allow larger colonies to establish.
Pairs vs. singles – Pairs require one nest. Singles need individual rooms.
Predators – More compartments mitigate losses and support rebounds.
Competition – Nearby colonies may compete for limited pairs in an area.
Native houses – Reduce compartments if also maintaining natural housing nearby.
Space – Only provide what space allows for proper aerial access.
Budget – Expense, effort increases with additional compartments.

A good rule of thumb for a lone wooden house is to start with 6-12 rooms. For aluminum or gourd houses, 12-24 compartments. Increase compartments as site productivity and colony size expands over the years.

Purple Martin Nesting & Egg Laying

Purple martins are prolific birds that raise multiple broods per season. Here is what to expect:

Martins begin nest building within 1-2 weeks of arriving in spring.
Females build nest cups by collecting twigs, grass, mud, lining them with softer materials.
Nest construction takes 6-8 days as pairs continuously add to structure.
Martins prefer nesting in older compartments where droppings have hardened to floors.
First eggs laid in April-May depending on latitude. Southern sites earlier.
Typical clutch size is 3-5 eggs. Blue-white and oval shaped.
Eggs are laid at sunrise. One per day until clutch complete.
Incubation lasts 15-18 days. Parents take turns incubating.
Hatchlings are altricial – naked, eyes closed. Adults feed frequently.
Young fledge around 4-5 weeks after hatching.
Time from eggs to fledging is about 6 weeks.

Martins are busy parents, expertly raising multiple broods each season. Hydrophobic nests and quick young development allow steady brood production.

Diet & Feeding Habits of Purple Martins

Purple martins are insectivores that feed exclusively on flying insects. Here is what’s on the menu:

Aerial insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, butterflies, dragonflies, bees
Beetles, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets
Winged ants, termites, mayflies, caddisflies
Airborne spiders ballooning on silk strands

Martins dart, dive and swoop through the air to catch prey on the go. They rarely land to hunt insects.

Adults consume insects individually during daytime hours away from the colony.
Parents capture insects in bills then carry them back to feed young waiting in nests.
Nestlings require frequent feedings from dawn to dusk to satisfy fast metabolism.
Parents can capture hundreds of insects per hour when provisioning nests.
Colonies often gather to hunt swarms of emerging insects like winged ants.

Martins are masters at catching pest insects. Their aerial feats and hearty appetites make them highly valued by farmers, ranchers, and homeowners.

Benefits of Purple Martins for Mosquito & Bug Control

With an exclusively insectivorous diet, Purple martins provide excellent mosquito and pest control:

Each martin can consume 1000+ mosquitoes and flies every day.
Active colonies feast on thousands of insects hourly.
Martins snatch numerous biting flies, wasps, and stinging insects.
Parents eliminate pests near houses as they gather food for nestlings.
Colonies raid swarms and concentrations of insects like mayflies.
More martins equals greater effect on reducing local insect populations.
Attracts free natural pest control services to your yard.
Martins complement other management efforts like eliminating standing water.

By installing housing and attracting purple martins, people gain an ally against summertime menaces like mosquitoes and black flies while enjoying the beauty of these songbirds.

Purple Martin Migration Patterns

Purple martins are migratory birds that travel yearly between North America and South America:

Spring – Martins winter in the Amazon Basin then migrate north to breed. They arrive March to May depending on latitude.
Fall – Martins gather in large premigratory roosts in August and September. They head south to Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina for winter.
Martins migrate during the day, flying 200-400 miles between roost