Zoology of the ZooPl. CLVI
Purple martin
Progne subis
Aves · Passeriformes · Hirundinidae
Fig. 1. Purple martin
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | About 19-22 cm long |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 45-60 g |
| Food | Flying insects |
| Lifespan | About 5 years (est.) |
| Society | Colonies |
| Habitat | wetland, urban |
| Range | North America, South America |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
In the East, purple martins nest almost only in houses and gourds put up by people, a tradition that may go back to Native American gourd houses. They winter in Brazil and are among the first migrants back to Florida each January.
Observe: Watch the triangular wings and the glossy blue-black males.