Purple Martin

Swallows, Martins 👁 471 views Updated 2026-11-01

Purple Martin (<em>Progne subis</em>) is a species of Swallows, Martins (<em>Hirundinidae</em>) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines).

Overview

Purple Martin (Progne subis) is a species of Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). North America's largest swallow, males glossy purple-black; a cavity nester that humans have hosted in gourds and multi-room 'martin houses' for centuries; feeds on flying insects high in the sky.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Progne; binomial: Progne subis; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 18-20cm. Average lifespan: 5-10 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Nearctic and Middle America. Non-breeding range: e SA.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

No additional remarks recorded.

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