Purple Martin
Progne subis · Swallows
The Purple Martin is the largest swallow in North America, known for its graceful and acrobatic flight. These long-distance migrants are often associated with human-provided housing in their eastern breeding range. Their iridescent plumage can appear dark blue, purple, or even green depending on the light.
Explore the full field guideMigratoryLarge swallowAerial insectivoreColonial nester
3 calls·first heard Jul 20·last 27d ago
When it's heardpeak 1p · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Entirely glossy blue-black, appearing iridescent purple. This is the only North American swallow with a dark belly.
- Dark blue back, with a grayish-white chest and belly, and a gray neck.
- Resembles the adult female but may have blotchy blue-black feathers on the head, neck, or chest.
- Characterized by a mix of rapid flapping and gliding, often at high altitudes.