Purple Martins are a unique interesting bird with unique and interesting needs. Purple Martins are insectivores meaning they only eat insects. Due to the lack of nesting sites caused by none migrating birds, Purple Martins rely solely on humans to provide them shelter. Without our intervention the survival of the Purple Martin is not likely.
The Purple Martin is not a cavity builder and because of this it seeks out already empty cavities to build it's nest. However, non-migrating birds tend to set up occupancy in most of the empty cavities over the winter leaving no lodging for the Purple Martins. If you research their migration patterns and find out when they will be in your neck of the woods you can easily build or buy a Purple Martin bird house to help this beautiful bird.
Purple Martin bird houses are not hard to find or make. A simple Internet search will yield dozens of free Purple Martin bird house patterns. Often you can find discount Purple Martin bird houses during your regions off season. To help save this bird everyone should consider installing a Purple Martin bird house.
Purple Martin bird houses do have some requirements to meet the Purple Martins standard. Using telescoping poles for Purple Martin bird house building is usually wise. It gives them the safety and security of being high up where they like to be. The house should be at the very top of the pole about ten to fifteen feet high. Placing the pole about 40 feet from your home is usually best, because the Purple Martin actually like being near by. Purple Martin bird houses should have a minimum compartment size of at least six by six by six, although the large the home the better. The entrance hole to Purple Martin bird houses should be no more than two and one quarter inches so predators are unable to get in. Purple Martin bird houses should not have porches, because nestlings can get away or wander to another compartment. It is best to use a untreated wood painted white for Purple Martin bird houses. The interior should be unpainted. If you choose a plastic house it should be opaque so that the interior doesn't heat excessively.
Features of necessity on Purple Martin bird houses would be adequate drainage, ventilation, and insulation. Creating or purchasing a house with plugs for the entrances during the off season is essential so other birds don't steal their home. Consider doing a few minutes of research to keep your Purple Martins happy.
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