As Adult Purple Martins begin their migration and start arriving in the southern most parts of the eastern U.S. by mid January. Our thoughts turn to becoming Martin landlords.

This migration will continue northward with colonies nesting primarily east of the Rockies through early may. Sub-adults, those in their first breeding year, arrive 3 to 6 weeks after the adults.

If you've ever consider attracting Purple Martins to nest near you, now is the time to learn what you need to know to be a successful Purple Martin landlord.

Unlike most backyard birds, It's not as simple as placing a Martin house up and walking away.

The location of the house, height, habitat, water, and many other considerations need to be taken into account.

Becoming a landlord to Purple Martins shouldn't be taken lightly. If not taken seriously, you could be causing more harm than good to the Martins you are trying to attract. House sparrows and European Starlings compete for nesting sites with Purple Martins.

A martin landlord must be diligent towards these non-native species. Removing any nesting material or eggs that these two species may bring or lay in the martin house.

This may have to be done twice a day and continue until the martins have established themselves. These non-native species are more aggressive than martins at claiming nesting sites.

When starting a new colony it's important to know that sub-adults are the ones you'll be trying to attract. Exsisting colonies (those that nested in previous seasons) will generally return to the same houses each year. One more reason to attract these insect eating birds to your home.

New Martin housing should not be raised before the expected arrival of the sub-adult birds. Tracking arrival times, can easily be done by visiting www.purplemartin.org. This site does a great job at providing all the information needed to become a Martin landlord.

Types Of Housing

There are many types of Martin Houses available. The most common types are made from wood, aluminum, and plastic. Heat absorption is a primary consideration when selecting houses for Martins. Dark paint colors hold more heat and should not be used. Ease of lowering the house to perform monitoring checks should also be considered.

Personally I prefer the telescoping poles. These are made to slide into each other keeping the house level at all times. Pulley systems can be more costly, and any type that tilts the house can cause eggs and birds to slide out.

Gourds can also be used. These can be natural or commercially made.

When choosing to purchase a Martin house, buy from those who are familiar with birds. At the very least, learn from the experts first, then shop for the best price. Start small and build up as you establish your colony.

Attracting Martins comes with no guarantee. Even when all conditions are met, you still might not successfully attract them the same year you start. But do not dispair, keep your houses up and maintained through the fall migration. Sub-adult Martins may take note as they migrate southward. The following season may surprise you. It takes patience to attract martins. Although many have success their first year.

Get Started!

If you've considered becoming a Purple Martin landlord, the time has come to get started.

It's easy to put it off year after year, we all think up excuses only to regret it later as the season ends... what might have been.

The Purple Martins can use our help, and the reward of watching them soar through the air, catching insects on the wing, and feeding their young, well... how does one measure that benefit.