Purple Martins

Did you know that more kinds of birds have been found in Texas than any other state in the U.S.? Of the 900 different bird species in North America, over 600 can be found in the Lone Star State thanks to our size, central location and position in migratory flyways.

In spring and fall, [great] flocks of birds migrate across Texas skies. Millions pass through on long-distance journeys between their northern breeding grounds and their winter homes in Central and South America. One of these important bird species is the Purple Martin, North America’s largest swallow. Purple Martins winter in South America, primarily in Brazil. Mid-January Purple Martins begin making their Northern trek and start showing up along the Gulf Coast of North America. Their breeding range in Texas includes all of the state except for the Trans Pecos region. Interestingly, East of the Rocky Mountains, Purple Martins nest exclusively in human-supplied housing because of loss of habitat and competition. They used to breed along forest edges and rivers, where dead snags offered woodpecker holes to nest in. You’ve probably seen a Purple Martin house in your neighborhood, you may even have a PM house in your yard but did you know that housing must meet certain specifications for Martins to thrive and reproduce? To ensure successful nesting, housing must not be impeded by tall trees within thirty to forty feet with wide-open flyways, entry holes must be Starling resistant and houses must be accessible for regular inspection to help control competition from introduced species such as the House Sparrow and European Starling. For housing located in the country, a predator guard is a must to keep snakes from climbing poles and eating whatever they find inside.

Purple Martins exhibit a very high level of site fidelity, once they have bred successfully at a certain location, the same individuals will return year after year. Martins do not keep mates from year to year. They frequently will even change mates during mating season. Females will usually select a male based on the nest that he builds.

My love for birds began fifteen years ago after participating in a bird survey on private lands. After driving around in the early morning hours and listening and observing birds in their habitat, all of a sudden I was hooked. I was in awe of their colors  I learned so much about birds and my appreciation of their gorgeous colors and plumage as they got on with their day.

Thanks to many generous donors in the tri-city area we were able to purchase a 12-gourd gourd rack which is installed at the intersection of Edsel Parkway and Canterbury Hill close to St. David’s Church in Terrell Hills. In the spring of 2019 we called the city of Alamo Heights and asked to take over maintenance and responsibility for the two Purple Martin houses on Viesca St. at the Judson Nature Trails and at the AHLL fields that were installed ten years ago but had long been forgotten.

We received financial backing from local residents as well as support from the Bexar Audubon Society which then allowed us to make necessary repairs to the existing T-14 Purple Martin houses. 

2020 was a successful year. We had 8 nesting pair of Purple Martins at the Terrell Hills site. 

Later in the season, when the second year males arrive in North America to start their own colonies, we were able to attract four additional nesting pair to the T-14 house at the Little League Field.

In late summer after leaving the nesting colony, Purple Martins gather in large flocks to feed, socialize, and rest before their 5,000 mile migration journey to South America where they winter in Brazil, Bolivia and parts of Peru. This activity, known as migratory roosting, can attract thousands of birds to one small area. If you are interested in seeing a roost, you can Google search for the closest one. Typically there is a big roost at La Frontera Village in Round Rock, TX specifically in the trees outside of Hobby Lobby. As August nears I am always reminded of how quiet it is when the Martins leave, but it makes me look forward to their chattering song and aerial acrobatics when they return in January. If you are driving by and happen to see one of us lowering a house – please stop and say hello. If you need assistance with mapping out a house location, maximizing its effectiveness, or are interested in donating an unused house to the PurpleMartins78209 Project please contact me at info@southtexassongbirds.com or text 210-972-3034. If your Purple Martin housing is not being properly utilized it becomes a breeding ground for non-native invasive species such as House Sparrows and Starlings. House Sparrows readily out-compete native species such as Purple Martins, Tree Swallows and Bluebirds for nesting sites by evicting other nesting birds, destroying their eggs, killing nestlings and sometimes even killing the incubating female. We are always happy to help with educational outreach, set-up and consultation and financial support is always appreciated. Donations can be made to the Bexar Audubon Society (please designate PM78209) or directly by Venmo @Allison-Hayne.

Invasive species are currently recognized as one of the main threats to global biodiversity. House Sparrows and European Starlings were both introduced to North America in the 19th century. They are now permanent residents found across the United States and Canada, almost always near areas of human habitation or areas with a reliable food source. They outcompete native cavity-nesting birds, and are known to destroy nests and eggs, and kill nestlings and adults while taking over an occupied nest site.