S & K
Heath
Coates
Lonestar
Nature House
Heritage Farms
and
Martin Attractors
Also check out our Guide to Buying your
Purple Martin House
and our Helpful Hints on
Maintaining Purple Martin Houses.
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Are you
looking to attract and house Purple Martins? The first thing you need to know is whether you live within the breeding range of
Progne subis subis - the Purple Martin
that is attracted to man built housing. In the United States, this is typically the eastern
½ of the country, as shown on the map.
When should you be ready? The map also indicates when you can expect mature adult martins to
return to established breeding sites. Sub-adult martins, those in their first breeding
years, tend to follow
the mature adults 3-6 weeks later.
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If you have an established colony, you should be ready for the mature adults
(within the time lines shown on the map). However, if you are establishing a new colony -
wait for the arrival of the sub-adults and don’t open your housing for another 3-6 weeks. Waiting will help
prevent problems with sparrows, starlings and other birds.
If birds other than Purple Martins try to nest in your house, lower the house and remove the nest – temporarily plugging the entry holes if necessary to keep them from
returning.
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