Purple Martins

Our purple martins are back for the summer, purple martins (are the largest member of the swallow family and return each year to the same location at approximately at the same time to nest and raise their young. Researchers have found that all of the martins that survive migration and the winter, return to the same location where they spent the spring. Up to 10 percent of the young birds will also return to the place where they hatched and were raised.
The male martins have forked tails and are solid colored with feathers a deep iridescent purple when the sunlight hits them. The female martins are similar but have gray breasts. They are similar to Tree Swallows who are smaller and have a clearer white breast. Purple Martins are about 7.25-8.25 inches in length with a wingspan of about 16 inches.
Purple Martins love to be near humans. It has been found that a martin house is more likely to be inhabited if it is located no more than 60 feet from your house or outdoor area that is frequently used, such as a gazebo or pool.