Appropriate Martin Bird Houses
Michalis 'BIG Mike' Kotzakolios

The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is the largest North American swallow measuring 18-22 cm and weighing about 55 grams. Martins typically breed in colonies and their breeding habitat is open areas across eastern North America, and also some locations on the west coast from British Columbia to Mexico. In eastern United States, where primeval forests have vanished, purple martins depend almost entirely on man-made nest boxes. Each year, over a million Americans put up martin bird houses in their backyards, to attract this beautiful species. Sadly, most of them are unable to lure breeding martins.

For most territorial birds, multi-compartment houses have very limited appeal. Purple martins being communal dwellers prefer residing in a colony. Even though a twelve-hole martin nest box is enough to start a colony, it will not ensure survival of the colony. Multiple houses of more than twenty-four holes should be made available for nesting. However, before you buy or build one of those three or four-decker martin houses, make sure that it provides adequate in-house ventilation.

The major reason people fail to attract martins is because their martin bird houses are placed in an inappropriate habitat. Purple martins like open areas next to water. Make sure to mow the lawn close the nesting ground. Purple martins are perceptive to predators and detest dense, thick vegetation under the house. Each species of bird has a particular preference for a nest site. Because white color reflects the heat of the sun and keeps the nest cooler, white colored or light pastel colored martin bird houses seem to attract martins the most. For that reason, colonial martin bird houses are traditionally painted white.

These nest boxes should made of good wood that will last several years in the outdoors. Purple martin bird houses are generally mounted high on poles or rooftops. Higher elevation makes the birdhouse difficult to clean and maintain. Therefore, tops are hinged and fastened with a hook and eye, so that the boxes can be checked and cleaned periodically. More information about attracting martins can be obtained by contacting The Purple Martin Conservation Association.

BIG Mike is a well known author, developer and Adsense expert as well as the owner of Niche Maniacs - a unique Adsense Marketing System designed to build long-term passive income streams from Adsense, Amazon, YPN, Chitika and other PPC services.