Purple martin birdhouses – Apartments for your feathered friends

Purple martins, being cavity nesters, originally nested in old woodpecker holes, crevices in cliffs and cavities in trees. They took kindly to the gourds hung up by the American Indians, and readily accustomed themselves to the comings and goings of humanity.  Today, they still nest in cavities and gourds, but will also readily accept apartment-style birdhouses designed with their needs in mind.  If purple martins inhabit your area of the country, and have been spotted nearby, consider erecting a purple martin house.

There are many martin birdhouses on the market, so before you purchase, make sure it meets the following requirements:

• The entrance hole should be 1 7/8 to 2 ¼ inches
• The house should be white with a darker roof to reflect sunlight
• Purple martins are social birds, and prefer living in colonies that consist of six or more pairs, therefore the house can be single or multi-storied, but must contain several compartments.
• It should open easily for cleaning. 
• Perches should be removed to detract other birds.
• Porch dividers are required, so the nestlings don’t wander.

So you've purchased a birdhouse and are ready to install it?  Note the installation requirements below:

• The ideal installation height is 15 feet.
• Use a telescoping pole, or one with a winch or lanyard so it is easier to clean.
• Install a pole guard to deter predators.
• Place the house in the open, preferably 30 to 120 feet from human housing, and away from trees.

Then, sit back and wait. To discourage other birds, cover the holes so they cannot gain entrance.  If you are outwitted, simply lower the bird house and remove the nesting materials.  Eventually they’ll look for lodging elsewhere!  With any luck, the rightful inhabitants will soon arrive.  Once established in your yard, martins will return to the same  purple martin house year after year, going back to the apartment they previously occupied.

Yardiac.com

Purple martin birdhouses - Ventilation