Purple Martins have long been one of America's favorite birds, loved for their beautiful gurgling, chattering song, graceful flight, and insect-eating habits.  Did you know each Martin will eat 2000-3000 insects per day!  

Purple Martins are native songbirds in the swallow family.  Once Martins take up residence, they return each after year, bring you a dynamic way to welcome spring!  It is very enjoyable watching the Martins catching insects while gliding through the air.

GETTING STARTED.  Choose an area of a large open spot in your yard.  About 30 feet from your home or trees.  You have 2 choses: 1) Martin House made out of wood, metal, or plastic.  2) Plastic Gourds on a pole.  Gourds will attract Martins sooner if you do not have any Martins in your area now.  If you already have Purple Martins in your neighbor, putting up a house or gourds would be OK.

WHEN DO PURPLE MARTIN COME BACK IN THE SPRING?  WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY HOUSE READY?  The first Martins to arrive are referred to as Scouts.  Scouts are adult males, looking for suitable nesting areas that best attract females.  Scouts will start to arrive in our area around April 10th.  Subadults (last year's young) will begin to arrive 3-6 weeks after the first adults.  Purple Martins only use housing during the breeding season.  It is a good idea to keep houses and gourds closed until the birds begin to arrive or House Sparrows and Starlings will try to nest in your Martin Housing.  

Stop at Wild Bird Connection, we have free advise and many different Purple Martin Houses and Gourds to show you.  We carry houses from Birds Choice, Erva, and Heath.  We have gourd set-ups from Tri-Pole (S&K), Erva, and Heath.  We also have home-made wooden Purple Martin Houses and we carry different Bird House Poles.  Plus, we provide services to install and set-up your Martin House.