Bird · GBIF taxon 2489129
Purple Martin
Progne subisThe 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Dragonflies
- 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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyHirundinidae
- SpeciesProgne subis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.