Purple Martins - Discover Nature (KRCG)

The Missouri Department of Conservation wants to help you to discover nature and learn more about purple martins.

Generations of Missourians have greeted the annual return of these birds with their cheerful calls and graceful flight.

The first males usually arrive in mid-march, and females join their partners a few days later.

Purple martins are Missouri's largest swallow, measuring up to eight inches long.

Martins eat flying insects, which they catch in flight. This diet makes them a pleasant neighbor!

They have a very diverse diet.
They prefer flying insects like dragonflies and wasps, but they will also go after flies, go after Japanese beetles, June Bugs, lots of variety.

Purple martins nest in cavities in trees or cliffs. But their favorite homes are provided by people.

Native Americans provided hollow gourds for martin nesting, and today, it is still a popular home.

You can help purple martins by placing and maintaining nest boxes or gourds on your property. Plans and instructions are available from the Missouri Department of Conservation.