photo copyright James R Hill, III/Purple Martin Conservation Association. Used by permission
Identification Tips:
- Length: 7 inches
- Tiny bill
- Largest swallow
- Most often seen flying
- Will nest communally at martin houses in residential and agricultural areas
Adult male:
- Dark purple plumage, usually appears black
- Forked tail
- Immature males similar to female but may be splotched with dark purple
Adult female:
- Dark gray upperparts with some purple coloration
- Whitish underparts with gray breast band and throat with some speckling on sides and belly
- Forked tail
- Immature plumages similar to female
Similar species:
The male Purple Martin is easily told from other swallows by its entirely dark plumage. It is vaguely similar to the starling but has a smaller bill, longer wings and a darker plumage. Female Purple Martins are similar to Bank and Northern Rough-winged Swallows but are larger, and flap more slowly. At close range, the darker upperparts of the martin are evident.
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.