Large broad-chested swallows called purple martins are known for their iridescent blue-purple color.If you live in the eastern half of the United States and you provide an appealing living environment, you might have some Purple Martins nest in your backyard during the summer.It is important to set up the housing in an open area that is close to the living space.Provide housing that is safe from predators and has multiple compartments to maximize your chances of attracting Purple Martins.
Step 1: Stay within 120 feet of your living space.
Humans have become protectors for the Purple Martins because the birds are less likely to be harmed by a predator when they are nearby.If you set up their housing no further away from your house than 120 feet, you will have more success with attracting Purple Martins.
Step 2: Pick an area that is open.
The purple martins need open air space to find insects to eat.They live around fields and meadow.It is possible to put the birds' housing near these habitats.Any clearing should work if you don't have access to these.
Step 3: The housing needs to be at least 40 feet away from trees.
The areas with a lot of trees repel purple martins.Hawks can easily ambush, capture, and kill the Purple Martins.40 feet (12.2 m) or further from tall trees is ideal for purple martins.You may be able to get away with having trees 25 feet away from the housing if you are trying to attract Purple Martins in the southern half of their breeding territory.
Step 4: There is a location with access to water.
Large natural water sources are preferred by the purple martins.If you can, put your Purple Martin housing near a pond, lake, or stream to improve your chances of attracting them.
Step 5: martin houses are an easy solution that purple martins like.
martin houses are more expensive than conventional houses, but they are easier to find and purchase.They are a good option because they are easier to clean between seasons.A conventional martin house can also be built.It will require more work, but less money.The cost of a conventional martin house is between $75 and $275.If you choose to build a conventional martin house, you will have to pay up to 75 percent of the cost.
Step 6: The birds like the affordable option of building gourd houses.
Either buy fake plastic pumpkins, or buy real ones that are large, have short stems, and have thick skin.If you go with real pumpkins, cut a 2-inch (5 cm) entry hole in the side of each one and 4 14-inch (0.64 cm), bottom holes for drainage.Finally, cut two more 14-inch (0.64 cm) holes in the top of each gourd for hanging, and remember to clean out all pith and seeds before mounting.Both Gourds and martin houses make it to about 60 percent.
Step 7: Go with wooden structures.
Wood is the best material for the Purple Martin housing structures.cedar will hold up against the elements over time.The porous nature of wood makes it better at providing insulation.
Step 8: The houses should be white.
White or light pastel colors reflect the sun's light so they are more likely to be interested in the housing you provide.The Purple Martin's young are less susceptible to dying of heat stress if they are inside of a white structure.
Step 9: The houses must be at least 10 feet tall.
Between 10 and 20 feet from the ground is where the purple martins will nest.If there are no trees around, you can put the housing structures 10 or 12 feet high, but you need to place them closer to 18 or 20 feet.
Step 10: The housing should be stable and stationary.
The Purple Martins may leave if the structures spin or twist.Attach the houses to the pole with concrete.You will have easy access to the houses and the Purple Martins will feel safe.
Step 11: Make sure the houses have plenty of space.
The martin houses should have a total of 24 compartments that are completely separated from each other.Martins like having different rooms in their homes.
Step 12: Provide perches.
The Purple Martins get more sun exposure because they prefer open spaces.Provide housing that allows the birds to breathe.The purple martins enjoy sunbathing so they will be interested in a structure with perches on the outside.
Step 13: After thescouts arrive, open the housing for 3-6 weeks.
Between January and June, birds may be in your area.Keeping an eye out for them is the key.Thescouts, the older birds, will be the first ones to arrive.The younger Purple Martins should be arriving 3-6 weeks after the scouts first arrive.
Step 14: Don't allow other species to live in the house.
The Purple Martins may not get a chance to move into the housing before other birds do.If this happens, you will have to remove the birds and clean the houses.Plug the entrance holes with paper cups.
Step 15: The houses seem to be lived in by Martins.
Because they feel safer in large numbers, purple martins won't be interested in living in housing that looks abandoned or undesirable.Put a purple martin decoy on one of the perches and play a sunrise song so that the birds think the martins are already in the space.
Step 16: If you want to protect yourself from ground predators, put cones and collar on the poles.
The animals can get up the poles and into the housing.The purple martins will feel protected if cones or collars are put on each pole.