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ForestCavity nestSmall · 54 g
What the Purple Martin sounds like
ID tip
With an average length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a wingspan of up to 38 cm (15 in), the purple martin is the largest amongst the 90 odd species in the family Hirundinidae. Measurement ranges: Length: 7.5–7.9 in (19–20 cm) Weight: 1.6–2.1 oz (45–60 g) Wingspan: 15.3–16.1 in (39–41 cm) Purple martins are sexually dimorphic. Adult males are entirely black with a glossy steel blue sheen, the only swallow in North America with such coloration. Adult females are dark on top with some steel blue sheen, and lighter underparts. Adults have a slightly forked tail.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Purple Martin
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 6 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Purple Martin
The map shades 30 countries with regular records, and 7 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Argentina, Caribbean Netherlands, Dominican Republic, France, United Kingdom, Haiti, Puerto Rico.
About the Purple Martin
The purple martin is a passerine bird in the swallow family Hirundinidae. It is the largest swallow in North America. Despite its name, the purple martin is not truly purple. The dark blackish-blue feathers have an iridescent sheen caused by the diffraction of incident light giving them a bright blue to navy blue or deep purple appearance. In some light, they may even appear green in color.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Grey-breasted MartinProgne chalybeaThe grey-breasted martin is 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) in length and weighs 33–50 g (1.2–1.8 oz).
Brown-chested MartinProgne taperaThe brown-chested martin is 16 to 18 cm (6.3 to 7.1 in) long and weighs 30 to 40 g (1.1 to 1.4 oz).
Southern MartinProgne elegansThe southern martin is 17 to 20 cm (6.7 to 7.9 in) long.
Side by side: Grey-breasted Martin vs Purple Martin · Brown-chested Martin vs Purple Martin · Purple Martin vs Southern Martin
Watch the Purple Martin on live cams
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Learn the Purple Martin in the BeakBrain App
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