Purple Martin
 

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Martins live in groups of single houses (gourds are popular) and houses with as many as 30 rooms although they seem to prefer somewhere in between the two extremes.  Two or three apartments do nicely for large colonies.

Most martins and their broods return to the colony they occupied, were raised in, or to another near by.

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Don’t be discouraged if sparrow or starling nests need to be removed repeatedly.  You will discourage them.  You will win. 

Males returning to formerly occupied homes  immediately renew their claim.

The female selects the room and both female and male build the nest two or three weeks later.

Occasionally males fight over already claimed rooms although the first claim usually provides enough steadfastness to overcome intruders.

Martins need care.  It's a job.  Telescoping poles, door stops, starling resistant entrances and removable nest trays make the chores much easier.   Easier means less likely to cause damage, quicker, safer, and reduced burden means the landlord is more likely to continue good responsible practice.

Metal poles, pole guards help prevent predators from climbing poles.

Allan Brooks

Rooms should be at least 7 inches cubed and deeper if raptors are a threat.  Where owls are numerous door guards and extra deep rooms help prevent them from reaching into rooms.  If a room is nine or ten inches deep, Martins will place the nest in the back furthest from the door.  Paint houses white.

Some people provide sticks, straw, mud and other materials for their martins.  Some even improve nests built by young inexperienced parents making sure floors are covered.

If mites infest nests they will feed on the chicks blood  - clean and replace the nests and  you might be saving their lives.  If an egg is broken, remove it to avoid unsanitary conditions.

Barn Swallow and Purple Martin, F. Schuyler Mathews
 

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