Swallows

Purple Martin, Progne subis

Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)

Size: 8"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Marshes, open water, agricultural areas

The purple martin is the largest North American swallow. It has long, pointed wings, a streamlined body, and a forked tail. The bill is very short and broad at the base. The male is dark overall, with a blackish-blue sheen across the back and head, while the female is paler overall, with sooty, mottled underparts. Purple martins fly with fast wing beats alternating with circular glides. They commonly use man-made nest boxes or tree hollows as nesting sites. The adult male is illustrated.