Purple Martins can be attracted to a yard in Canada with the right combination of space, housing, and timing: a pole-mounted aluminum house set well clear of trees and buildings, positioned close to human activity, and put up in time for their late-spring return from Brazil.
When Do Purple Martins Arrive in Canada?
Purple Martins return to Canada in late spring after their long migration from Brazil. They are well worth the wait: Martins eat huge numbers of flies and mosquitoes, and they are known for their beautiful morning and daylong songs and graceful soaring flight. Anyone who hasn't seen any yet, or doesn't have an established colony, shouldn't despair. Martins that settle into new homes generally trail behind the "Early Scouts," the earlier birds that lead the return each year.
What Does a Yard Need to Attract a Purple Martin Colony?
Space is the main thing. The Martin pole should sit at least 40 feet from any trees or buildings, with special care taken near the "glide paths," the open areas to the sides of the house where Martins fly in to reach the entrance holes.
The house works best set in the centre of the largest opening in a yard. The taller the surrounding trees, the farther back from them it should sit. Martins also like being near people, so the house should stay within 100 yards of a back door; both people and Martins tend to appreciate the closeness.
What Type of Purple Martin House Works Best?
A good location will not attract Martins on its own; the right pole-mounted house matters too. It's worth taking a look around the neighbourhood first to see what housing local Martins are already using successfully, since a colony expanding or starting fresh will often look for something familiar.
Between wood and aluminium, aluminium is strongly recommended. It stays cooler, tends to have fewer parasite problems, is easier to clean, and is less attractive to starlings. A solid option built around these advantages is the Aluminum 12-Room Deluxe Purple Martin House, sized to start or grow a colony.
Why Does the House Need a Telescoping Pole?
A Martin house works best mounted on a telescoping pole rather than a fixed one. Raising and lowering it through the season for sparrow control and general colony management is difficult without one. Several adjustable poles are available through Urban Nature Store.
Do Decoys and Birdcalls Help Attract Purple Martins?
Yes, and it comes down to how communal Martins are. A house that already looks occupied is far more appealing to passing birds, so placing a few small Martin decoys near the house is worth doing alongside proper housing. An electronic device that plays the sounds of an active Martin colony works on the same idea, signalling that a site is safe and already spoken for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Far Should a Purple Martin House Be From Trees or Buildings?
At least 40 feet, with extra clearance to the sides where Martins fly in.
How Close Should the House Be to People?
Within 100 yards of a back door. Martins tolerate, and seem to prefer, being close to human activity.
Aluminium or Wood?
Aluminium. It runs cooler, resists parasites better, and attracts starlings less.
Why a Telescoping Pole Instead of a Fixed One?
It allows the house to be raised and lowered for sparrow control and upkeep through the season.
