This is the largest member of the swallow family in North America. The Purple Martin
lays three to five white eggs in a nest of plant materials, in mud, in a hollow tree,
in the eaves of buildings, or in an eroded gopher hole. It is most commonly spotted
near water.
On the west coast, this glossy bird is becoming a more challenging bird watching
subject. It is possible that its' scarcity is due to its competition with non-native
starlings for nesting sites. It is an interesting bird watching fact that west coast
Purple Martins do not take to Martin houses. They tend to prefer suburban buildings
or the open countryside. In the eastern United States, however, experienced birders
know what a joy a Purple Martin bird house can be.
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