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Purple Martin Conservation Project

Purple martins living east of the Rockies have made a shift in their nesting requirements. Woodpecker holes in trees were once the chosen nest sites of martins; now reproduction in the eastern half of North America, martins are entirely dependent upon human-supplied nesting cavities. Some populations are undergoing a long-term decline. Although not yet listed as threatened or endangered, these birds have shown a population decline of 78% over the last 40 years in Minnesota.

Audubon Minnesota’s Purple Martin Conservation Project seeks to assist purple martin populations by partnering with agency parks, nature centers, private corporations, citizens and others by erecting martin houses throughout Minnesota.

Native Americans were the first purple martin landlords, hanging out gourds as nesting sites. Today, purple martins still need landlords to supply proper housing in suitable locations. Audubon Minnesota and others, such as the Minnesota Purple Martin Working Group, are working to promote purple martin conservation by educating property owners about the beneficial nature of martins as insectivores, and facilitating the placement of new structures specifically for use by these birds as nesting sites.

The cost for providing martin housing can range from $100 for the placement of some gourd houses up to $700 for a multi-hole house that can be lowered for cleaning and monitoring. Minimum maintenance of the houses is required but they should be cleaned and capped after the martins migrate in the fall. Some protection from predators and other cavity-nesting species such as house sparrows and starlings may also be required as martins will not tolerate these species in their colony.

How you can help

• Purchase or construct and install appropriate martin housing.
• Protect houses from predators by installing predator guards on housing poles and owl guards on front of housing.
• Protect martin colonies from European Starlings or House Sparrows by removing these competitors.
• More martin information available here.
• Avoid applying pesticides that kill or poison flying insects that martins eat.

Other Resources

The Minnesota Purple Martin website features an online forum where landlords share their stories and help beginners in the Minnesota area. Or, for more information about purple martins, visit the Purple Martin conservation Association.

Please consider donating to Audubon Minnesota to help reverse the decline of purple martins in Minnesota.

For more information about the Purple Martin Conservation project contact the Minnesota Audubon At Home Coordinator.