Purple Martin

Purple Martin perched on a nest box. Photo Credit: Keith Kohl

Overview

  • Species Common Name Purple Martin (Western)
  • Species Scientific Name Progne subis arboricola
  • Federal Listing Status Species of Concern
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Purple Martins require abundant cavities for colonial nesting. They prefer sites with close proximity to water and large, open areas for foraging.

Limiting factors

Purple Martins face threats on their wintering grounds in South America. Availability of suitable nesting sites remains an important limiting factor in North America due to reductions of natural cavities from human activities and competition from European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

Conservation actions

Retain and promote natural cavities/snags.

Key reference or plan

Conserving Purple Martins in OSU's McDonald-Dunn Research Forest