The Purple Martin is the largest swallow in North America; adult males are entirely glossy blue-black, while females are gray-bellied. East of the Rockies, it is now almost entirely dependent on human-provided housing — multi-compartment martin houses and gourds — for nesting. Martins drink and bathe on the wing, skimming water bodies at speed.
Best time to see a Purple Martin
The best time to see a Purple Martin is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 24,601 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Purple Martin? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Purple Martin sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Purple Martin? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Purple Martin is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love birds? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.