Building a Colony

Purple Martins are one of the few social species of birds that prefer to nest in very close proximity with others of their own kind. In contrast, for example, the Eastern Bluebirds are said to require at least 300 feet of distance between nesting sites.

Purple Martins are also very unique in that, at least those that live in the Eastern half of the United States, they rely completely on housing provided by humans. That’s sort of crazy, when you think about it.

“Our”, and I use that term very loosely because I don’t stake claim over any of the wildlife that lives on our property, Purple Martins began taking up residence in the first house we erected within just a couple of days. That was four years ago and the house was a barn-red, 12 unit model we picked up at the farm store. Since then we’ve added additional housing each year including basic gourds, a second house (called the green house) and this year we have added twelve upgraded version of the gourds – all because the colony keeps growing in size. That makes me happy!

Here are some of the lovely Purple Martins who spend their summers in the houses that we offer them. It was a very windy day when I filmed, and if it appears some of the birds are ready for a race, it’s because they were fighting the headwind!

I like observing “couples.” In these next photos you see the female arriving and it seems that her mate is a bit caught off guard or, is he going in for a kiss?

Here are a few additional images of these lovely creatures.