Fauna
Bird

Purple Martin

Progne subis

The Purple Martin is a large broad-chested swallow with long tapered wings and a slightly forked tail. Adult males are glossy blue-black, while females and young show gray underparts and paler foreheads as they hunt insects high overhead.

Aerial InsectivoreColonial NesterMigratory Swallow
Purple Martin reference1 / 7
JJ Cadiz, Cajay / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDragonflies, Beetles, Flies
Predators
  • Merlins
  • Owls
  • Raccoons
ThreatsLoss of nesting cavities, competition for nest sites, pesticide-driven insect decline, and severe weather
HabitatsOpen country near water, estuaries, farms, towns, forest openings, and cavity nesting sites
Life spanOften several years; banded birds can live beyond a decade
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyHirundinidae
  3. GenusProgne
  4. SpeciesProgne subis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Keep away from occupied colonies and never open active nest compartments.
Responsible observation
  • Shape: Look for a large swallow with broad chest and tapered wings.
  • Male: Notice uniform glossy blue-black plumage in full adults.
  • Colony: Watch arrival and departure paths from a fixed distant position.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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