Purple Martins Nesting at Ladysmith Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada
The Purple Martin (Progne subis) is the largest North American swallow at 20 cm length. Adults have a slightly forked tail. These "aerial acrobats" have speed and agility in flight, and when approaching their housing, will dive from the sky with their wings tucked at great speeds. This species was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema naturae in 1758 as Hirundo subis. Proper identification of Purple Martins is determined by their age. It takes two years for this species to reach their full adult breeding plumage. This makes identification complicated. The eastern nominate subspecies P. s. subis nests exclusively in man-made bird houses, of which about a million are provided. It is the only bird totally dependent on humans for nest sites.[citation needed] It is important to note that unmonitored Purple Martin houses often become breeding colonies for House Sparrows and Common Starlings — invasive species responsible for declining Martin populations across North America. Both of these aggressive non-native species were introduced from Europe and often kill Martins for their nest cavity[citation needed]. If House Sparrows and/or Starlings are not actively controlled and removed from the housing site, the Martins will lose their eggs and young causing the martins to abandon the site. Because of the devastating effects on Purple Martins, many landlords trap the invasive species to ensure the survival of their colony of martins.
Size: 5128px × 3406px
Location: Ladysmith Harbour Marina Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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