A proper house will bring all these songbirds to the yard.
These well-loved songbirds rely on humans for survival, and they benefit us by eating large amounts of insects.
They are also known for their chattering song and aerial acrobatics.
Credit:Getty Images
But what is the best way to attract purple martins to your yard?
It starts withproper housing.
“Install a purple martin house,” Audubon Floridas communications director Erika Zambello tellsSouthern Living.
Credit:Getty Images
Read on to learn more about purple martins, housing specifics, and how to protect these songbirds.
Erika Zambellois the communications director forAudubon Florida.
When Do Purple Martins Migrate?
What Do Purple Martins Look Like?
Purple martins are beautiful, acrobatic songbirds that are part of the swallow family.
They should be placed on a pole at a height of 12 to 20 feet.
Timing is also a factor.
Install purple martin houses in March to mid-April when they return for their breeding season.
Zambello tellsSouthern Livingthatputting out crushed eggshellscan also bring purple martins to your yard.
ensure the exterior color is white because it reflects heat, keeping housing cooler in hot temperatures.
Create A Suitable Entrance
confirm the entrance hole for purple martins is the right size.
Ventilation, drainage, and insulation are important, especially because newborns are prone to hypothermia.
The roof overhang can also be extended to keep rain out.
Drain holes will help wet nests dry faster, and insulation can protect birds during extreme temperatures.
“Purple martins connect us across neighborhoods, states, countries, and continents, she says.
We must protect their habitat across their migratory pathway and protect their food sourceinsectsso they can survive and thrive.
The direction the house faces doesn’t matter, as long as it faces clear and open flight paths.
Also, don’t reset the direction of the entrance after the birds have settled.
Non-native sparrows and starlings are aggressive competitors and can take over a purple martin house and drive them away.
Purple Martin Conservation Association.Purple Martin Look-Alikes.
Purple Martin Conservation Association.Purple Martin Housing.
