Do They Migrate?

Purple Martins are long-distance migrants. They breed in eastern North America and journey as far as South America to spend the winter months.

What Foods Do They Eat?

They eat insects.

Where Do They Nest?

Purple Martins are not capable of excavating their own cavities for nesting and are almost totally dependent on man-made housing in eastern North America. They are much less common in western North America where they favor natural cavities over man-made housing.

What Do They Look Like?

Purple Martin males are dark blue-purple overall with dark wings and tail. Females are not as shiny with some gray on the head and chest.

Range Map

Maps provided by Birds of North America Online.
Maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.