Purple martins are captivating birds known for their acrobatic aerial displays and vibrant purple plumage. Attracting these beautiful birds to your backyard can be a rewarding experience, and building your own birdhouse is a fantastic way to contribute to their conservation. This guide provides comprehensive plans and considerations for building a successful purple martin birdhouse.
What Makes a Good Purple Martin Birdhouse?
Before diving into specific plans, understanding the crucial elements of a purple martin house is essential. These aerial insectivores have specific needs, and providing the right habitat is key to attracting them.
Key Features of an Effective Purple Martin House:
- Height: Purple martins prefer tall mounting locations, ideally 12-15 feet high, away from predators and competing birds. The higher, the better, generally.
- Open Design: Unlike other birds, purple martins prefer open-entry compartments, not enclosed boxes. Each compartment should have a readily accessible entrance hole.
- Multiple Compartments: A single house should have at least 12 compartments, and larger houses with 20 or more are even more attractive, providing ample nesting space for a colony.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical to prevent overheating and the build-up of moisture. Ensure there are ample ventilation holes or slots.
- Predator Protection: Predators like snakes, raccoons, and cats pose a significant threat. Consider a predator guard around the pole or a baffle to prevent climbing.
- Easy Cleaning: Purple martins are susceptible to parasites. A house that's easy to clean and maintain is crucial for their health.
- Durable Material: Use durable, weather-resistant materials like untreated wood (cedar is excellent) or aluminum. Avoid treated lumber, as the chemicals can be harmful.
Different Types of Purple Martin Houses:
While the basic principles remain consistent, several house designs exist, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Traditional Gourd-Style Houses:
These mimic natural nesting cavities and are readily available commercially. While convenient, they often lack the capacity of larger multi-compartment houses.
Multi-Compartment Houses:
These are the most popular choice, offering numerous nesting compartments in a single structure, maximizing your chances of attracting a large colony. Many plans are available online, and some offer pre-fabricated components.
Apartment-Style Houses:
These houses are designed with individual apartments, each with its own entrance hole and internal space. This design is great for larger colonies and simplifies cleaning.
Choosing the Right Location:
Site selection is critical to attracting purple martins.
Ideal Location Characteristics:
- Open Space: Martins need open areas for foraging. Avoid locations surrounded by dense trees or buildings.
- Water Source: A nearby water source is beneficial.
- Visibility: Martins prefer a clear view of their surroundings.
- Away from Disturbances: Choose a location away from high-traffic areas and noise.
How to Build a Purple Martin Birdhouse: (Basic Plan)
This plan outlines a simple multi-compartment house. More detailed plans are easily found online via searches for "purple martin birdhouse plans PDF."
Materials:
- Untreated cedar or other suitable wood
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Paint (optional, use non-toxic exterior paint)
- Predator guard
Tools:
- Saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Level
Construction: (Detailed instructions would require visual diagrams, but the following provides a general idea.)
- Construct the main frame: Cut and assemble the main body of the house, ensuring it's sturdy and square.
- Create compartments: Divide the interior into individual compartments, ensuring each has an appropriately sized entrance hole.
- Attach the roof: Build and attach a weather-resistant roof.
- Add ventilation: Drill ventilation holes.
- Install a predator guard: Secure a predator guard to the mounting pole.
- Mount the house: Attach the house securely to a tall pole (at least 12-15 feet high).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How high should I mount a purple martin house?
Ideally, between 12 and 15 feet high, but higher is often better, as long as it's safely accessible for cleaning.
What kind of wood is best for a purple martin house?
Untreated cedar or redwood is ideal due to its durability and resistance to rot.
When is the best time to put up a purple martin house?
Early spring, before the birds arrive on their migration. This allows them to find and claim their nesting spaces.
How do I clean a purple martin house?
Thoroughly clean the house after the breeding season, removing old nests and debris. Use a mild disinfectant if necessary.
Do I need to paint a purple martin house?
Painting is optional, but if you choose to paint, use a non-toxic exterior paint. Many people leave the wood untreated for a natural look.
By carefully considering these factors and following a well-designed plan, you can successfully attract purple martins to your backyard and enjoy their vibrant presence for years to come. Remember that success takes patience; it may take several seasons before a colony establishes itself in your birdhouse.
