Purple Martin

Progne subis

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 7 inches
* Tiny bill
* Largest swallow
* Most often seen flying
* Will nest communally at martin houses in residential and agricultural areas

Adult male:

* Dark purple plumage, usually appears black
* Forked tail
* Immature males similar to female but may be splotched with dark purple

Adult female:

* Dark gray upperparts with some purple coloration
* Whitish underparts with gray breast band and throat with some speckling on sides and belly
* Forked tail
* Immature plumages similar to female

Similar species:

The male Purple Martin is easily told from other swallows by its entirely dark plumage. It is vaguely similar to the starling but has a smaller bill, longer wings and a darker plumage. Female Purple Martins are similar to Bank and Northern Rough-winged Swallows but are larger, and flap more slowly. At close range, the darker upperparts of the martin are evident.