What is a sy purple martin?

What is a sy purple martin?

An SY-M is a subadult male Purple Martin. Subadult martins are reproductively mature, but not all of them breed. Most SY female Purple Martins breed, but not all SY males do because there are more males than females in the population. The SY plumage of Purple Martins is distinct from their ASY plumage.

Do purple martins mate for life?

Purple Martins are monogamous, but both sexes are highly promiscuous. Once a pair bond is formed, both sexes defend the nest site intensely. Purple Martins nest in colonies, but members of the breeding colony are not related.

Do purple martins have mites?

Purple Martins are in their nests long enough that pests like mites, blowfly larvae, and other blood-sucking insects have time to become a real problem in the nest. Doing a nest change can make a dramatic difference in the health of the nestlings, and even improve their chance of survival and fledging.

When should I expect my purple martins?

Usually, younger Purple Martins arrive about 4 to 12 weeks after the first adults arrive. In general, your Purple Martin gourds and birds houses can attract Purple Martins well into summer so be sure to not take down your gourd racks or bird houses until late August or early September in northerly areas.

Which direction should a purple martin house face?

Orientating the doors of a Purple Martin house so they face toward wide open corridors may be sufficient but you still need to maintain open space above the house and prevent trees from encroaching on the sides. Many properties in urbanized areas provide good martin habitat as do rural areas.

What is the best purple martin house?

The best birdhouses for Purple Martins

1. Birds Choice Original 4-Floor-16 Room Purple Martin House with Round Holes.
2. Ravenox Purple Martin Vertical Gourd Bird House.
3. BestNest Heath 12-Room Two-Story Purple Martin House & Gourds Package.

Why have a purple martin house?

It began with early American Indians who hung hollowed-out gourds from tree limbs around their villages in order to attract the purple-colored swallows to nesting homes similar to those in tree cavities. More importantly, martins chased off crows and vultures that intruded on their nesting sites.

Why are purple martin bird houses so big?

It might be because the entrance holes are dark, making them easier to spot against the white house. Other purple martins also show up more easily against a white background, making the home easier to find by other martins looking for the home.

Where is the best location for a purple martin house?

One of the most important steps in attracting Purple Martins is choosing the right location for your martin housing. Martins prefer housing that is placed in open areas with clear flyways. Choose the center of the largest open spot available, about 30-120 feet from human housing and at least 40-60 feet from trees.

How do I identify a purple martin?

Adult males are iridescent, dark blue-purple overall with brown-black wings and tail. Females and immatures are duller, with variable amounts of gray on the head and chest and a whitish lower belly. Purple Martins fly rapidly with a mix of flapping and gliding.

What is the difference between a barn swallow and a purple martin?

Adult Barn Swallows have longer and more deeply forked tails than Purple Martins. They also have peachy or creamy underparts, whereas female Purple Martins have dingy underparts.

What color are purple martin eggs?

white

Do purple martins have yellow eyes?

Note the yellow eye (martins have dark eyes). Also, if you look at the photos above, you’ll see a purple or almost indigo sheen. The grackle has a blue sheen to its head and the body is bronze. The bill and tail is much longer than a martin’s bill and tail.

Does a purple martin have a yellow beak?

Starting at the head, the beak is the main difference. and is deadly when matched against the purple martin. It’s beak is a bright yellow color in both males and females. The shape of the head is more narrow and longer.

Do starlings kill purple martins?

Because of their nature of foraging for food, starlings have developed very strong beaks and body muscles and can inflict major damage on adult martins, their young and eggs, and even YOU if you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on them and aren’t careful how you handle them.