
Each compartment inside should be at least 6 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. The best gourds are the ones that provide enough space and protection from predators. What Are the Best Gourds for Purple Martins? Still, keep it close to your home, as purple martins love seeing people around. As a general rule, place the house 60 feet away from any tree that’s taller than the height of the house. This allows them to land straight into the house from several directions.įor as long as you place their gourd or house away from trees and other obstacles. These birds’ homes need to be in the open area. Purple martins can live in both gourds and gourd-like houses. They don’t mind the shape, for as long as the location is good.

Do Purple Martins Prefer Gourds or Houses? However, these need a different size entrance, so check the requirements for every bird before making the gourd. Chickadees, wrens, and woodpeckers also like to get snug inside a gourd-like home. If you decide to get gourds for purple martins, you can also get a few more for other bird species. Tree swallows and bluebirds might also nest inside and even share the habitat with martins once they’re back. House sparrows and European starlings are known to use their homes until martins return in the spring.

Still, purple martin’s gourd won’t be used by this bird alone. Those in the west will use natural cavities. Today, purple martins located in eastern North America nest in birdhouses. They hung up empty gourds for martins well before Europeans arrived in North America. The origin of purple martin gourds comes from Native Americans. Purple martins are among the largest swallows and migrate to South America for the winter. Martins nest in cavities, so setting out gourds is a good idea.

Their favorite foods are insects they’ll forage during flight.
PURPLE MARTIN SONG INSTALL
Their conservation status is a low priority concern, so you might have plenty of them visit you during the season. If you install a house for them, you might get a whole martin colony, especially if you live near water. Purple martins ( progne subis) are gorgeous little shiny bluebirds you’ll love having in your yard. Steps Involved in Making the Gourd House.How Do You Make Purple Martin Houses Out of Gourds?.What Are the Best Gourds for Purple Martins?.Do Purple Martins Prefer Gourds or Houses?.
