Purple Martin Nest Box Size

Martins prefer housing that is placed in open areas with clear flyways.

Purple martin nest box size. One of the most important steps in attracting purple martins is choosing the right location for your martin housing. The purple martin is a colony nesting species readily using nest boxes with multiple compartments more common in the east or individual hollowed gourds strung close together more common in the west. How to attract purple martins by james r. Purple martins are in decline in parts of their range and are almost entirely dependent on human provided housing.

Purple martins will typically build their nests out of straw twigs and pine needles. Where purple martins once gathered by the thousands by the 1980s they had all but disappeared. In the eastern united states purple martins are almost entirely dependent on artificial nesting sites but like all birds they can be picky about which houses they choose the best houses will not only attract these birds but proper construction will help. Humans have helped counteract declines somewhat by putting up nest boxes and people now provide virtually all nest sites for purple martins in the east.

Houses painted white seem to be most attractive do not paint the interior. They may also build a mud dam in the front of the nest. We recommend ensuring that the house is open and cleaned out before the first martins return in early march in tennessee. You should be able to raise and lower the housing and open each of the cavities.

Between 6 to 12 cavities is a great start for a colony. European starlings and house sparrows compete with martins for nest cavities. Choose the center of the largest open spot available about 30 120 feet from human housing and at least 40 60 feet from trees. The species rates an 9 out of 20 on the continental concern score.

Purple martin is not on the 2016 state of north america s birds watch list. Purple martins begin nest building around four six weeks after they arrive at their final breeding site. Purple martins are colonial nesters they like to nest in groups so at least 4 cavities should be offered. When monitoring the nesting box es check for.

Below are some of the standards to look for in any type of martin housing. Purple martins suffered a severe population crash in the 20th century widely linked to the release and spread of european starlings in north america. One of the best ways to attract purple martins and enjoy these beautiful swallows in your yard is to use appropriate purple martin houses. To find out if you ve got the right habitat and location to attract purple martins and to download the free nest box plan visit us online.