If you’re a bird lover, you might have heard about martin houses. These birdhouses are specifically designed to attract purple martins, a bird species known for its graceful flight and insect-eating habits. Martins are communal birds, which means they prefer to nest and roost in colonies. To create a welcoming environment for these beautiful creatures, many landlords install martin houses in their yards or on tall poles. However, creating the perfect martin house is not as easy as it seems.
The first thing to consider is the location. Martins prefer open areas with a clear flight path, away from trees and buildings where predators like sparrows and starlings might try to invade their nests. It’s also crucial to mount the house on a pole, as martins are non-native species and have difficulty using systems that hang from trees or houses. Additionally, the height of the pole should be at least 12 to 18 feet to ensure the martins’ safety from ground predators, such as raccoons.
When it comes to the martin house itself, an upscale version is recommended. The housing package consists of multiple compartments, also known as gourds, to accommodate a larger martin colony. These gourds should have proper dimensions, with an entrance hole diameter of about 2 1/8 inches, enough to allow martins in but keep out larger competitors. The gourds should be made of durable materials, such as plastic or metal, to withstand weather conditions and predator attacks.
To better attract martins, it’s important to know their preferences. They like large, open compartments that mimic natural cavity nests, with an internal diameter of about 7 inches and a height of 7-8 inches. The gourds should be painted white to reflect sunlight and keep the interior cool, with proper ventilation to ensure martins’ comfort. The lower part of the house should be protected with predator guards to prevent climbing animals from reaching the nests.
In conclusion, creating an upscale martin house requires careful consideration of the location, materials, and dimensions. By following the recommendations given here, you can provide the best nesting environment for these amazing birds, increasing your chances of attracting martins to your yard and enjoying their beautiful presence.
How to Succeed as a Purple Martin Landlord
Being a purple martin landlord can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Purple martins are beautiful birds that can provide hours of entertainment and help with insect control. However, to succeed as a purple martin landlord, there are certain steps and considerations to keep in mind.
Build the Right House: It’s important to build or purchase the right housing for purple martins. The dimensions of the house should be specifically designed for these birds, and there should be enough compartments for each bird in the colony. There are many options available, from houses mounted on poles to gourds hung on cables, so choose what works best for your needs.
Provide a Safe Environment: Purple martins need a safe environment to thrive. Make sure the house or gourds are mounted high enough to avoid predators like raccoons. Additionally, proper predator guards can be installed to keep other animals and birds out of the martin community.
Open Flyways: Purple martins prefer houses that provide open flyways in the front. They need easy access in and out of the compartments. When building or purchasing a house, make sure it has an open-plan design to accommodate the birds’ flight patterns.
Control Starlings and Sparrows: Starlings and sparrows are non-native birds that can compete with purple martins for nesting sites. It’s important to take measures to control these birds, as they can harm martin eggs and nestlings. There are several options available, from blocking holes to playing distress calls, to deter these birds from invading martin housing.
Proper Maintenance: Purple martin houses need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Cleaning out old nests and checking for any damage is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the birds. Regular inspections can also help prevent infestations of insects or mites.
Know the Needs of Purple Martins: Understanding the specific needs of purple martins is essential for successful landlording. They require large compartments with a diameter of at least 6 inches, proper ventilation, and protection from extreme weather conditions. Knowing these requirements will help you provide the best possible housing for your martin community.
Having the right housing and following these guidelines can make your journey as a purple martin landlord much easier and more successful. Enjoy the beautiful birds and the benefits they bring to your neighborhood!
So here’s what purple martins need
Purple martins prefer housing options that are available above 15 feet. They nest in natural cavities like woodpecker holes and abandoned tree swallows nests. However, they have adapted to using human-made nest boxes. It’s worth knowing that they are communal birds, so they prefer living in colonies rather than alone.
When selecting housing for purple martins, it’s important to offer them plastic or wooden houses with multiple compartments. These houses should have large doors for easy access and a porch or perch area for the birds to land before entering the nest. The compartments should also have removable floors for cleaning out old nests once the birds have left.
Purple martins typically start looking for housing options in late winter or early spring, so it’s best to have your martin house ready before they arrive. The ideal martin house is a 1-story house with 6-12 compartments, a winch system for lowering and raising the house, and predator guards to keep raccoons and other predators away.
If you already have existing birdhouses, you can modify them to make them more suitable for purple martins. You can also offer alternative housing options such as gourds or specially designed martin houses. Birdwatching-bliss.com is a great source for plans and information on how to build or purchase purple martin houses.
It’s important to note that purple martins are native to North America and have been introduced to other parts of the world. In some areas, they may compete with native bird species like sparrows for nesting sites. To help native bird populations, it’s recommended to discourage non-native purple martin populations and provide nesting resources for other bird species as well.
Remember, providing housing for purple martins not only benefits the birds but also creates a sense of community among birding enthusiasts. So why not make your backyard a better place for both birds and birdwatchers?
Upscale Martin House
Building a birdhouse is an ideal task for birdwatching enthusiasts. However, not all birdhouses are created equal, and if your goal is to attract Purple Martins, you must be aware of the specific requirements these birds have. In this article, we will explore how to create an upscale Martin house that will make it easier for these birds to find a safe place to nest and lay their eggs.
One of the most important things to note about Purple Martins is that they prefer to nest in large colonies. This means that your birdhouse should be designed to accommodate multiple nests. The ideal house should offer enough space for several families of Martins to live comfortably together.
When it comes to the design of the house, the diameter of the entrances is of great concern. Purple Martins prefer larger entrances, so it’s best to select a house that has doors with appropriate dimensions. This will not only make it easier for the Martins to enter and exit the house, but it will also provide better protection against predators like raccoons and starlings.
In order to create the best upscale Martin house, it’s important to consider the location where it will be mounted. Martins prefer open areas with a clear view of their surroundings. Mounting the house above obstacles, such as trees or buildings, will increase the chances of attracting these birds. Additionally, the house should be placed in an area that is away from the reach of predators and where there is an adequate supply of food for the Martins.
Knowing the specific requirements that Purple Martins have is essential for creating an upscale Martin house. By following these tips and guidelines, you can provide an ideal nesting environment for these birds and enjoy the beauty of their presence in your garden for years to come.
Source: birdwatching-bliss.com
SELECT YOUR PLAN PACKAGE
If you prefer to play it safe and take care of your martins, selecting the right plan is crucial. Before you decide on a plan, it’s important to understand your rights and the options available to you. In some cases, there may be competing bird populations, like starlings or purple martins, outside of your martin house. Birdhouses made of plastic or other materials may not offer the necessary durability and protection for your martins.
In order to succeed in attracting martins, it’s important to select a plan that meets their specific needs. Our 1-story martin houses come equipped with multiple rooms, each with their own separate doors and nesting materials. This creates a better nesting system and gives the birds more security from predators like raccoons.
We offer a variety of plans to suit different landlords’ needs. If you’re concerned about having to clean out the birdhouses yourself, our gourd plans are a great option. Gourds can be easily opened and mounted for quick access and maintenance. For those who don’t mind a little extra work, our traditional house plans provide a beautiful and durable home for your martins.
Once you’ve selected your plan, you can purchase it directly from our website. If you’re unsure what plan is right for you, you can use our plan selector tool to assist you in finding the perfect fit. Simply click the link below, and here’s what you’ll find:
- Plan options for 1-story houses
- Plan options for gourds
- Nesting materials and accessories
- Tips on attracting and caring for martins
Don’t wait any longer – select your plan package now and start welcoming your martins to their new home! Once they start nesting and laying eggs, you’ll be amazed at the joy and beauty they bring to your backyard.
Remember, martin houses should be mounted at least 15 feet above the ground and placed in an open area, with no obstructions above and around the houses. With the right plan package, you’ll be well on your way to attracting martins and becoming a successful martin landlord.
