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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. XCII
Field-journal plate: Purple Martin
The Purple Martin plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate XCII

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Hirundinidae · Taxon 11867

Length19–20 cm (7.5–7.9 in)
Wingspan39–41 cm (15.3–16.1 in)
Weight45–60 g (1.6–2.1 oz)

Field marks

  1. Very large, broad-chested swallow
  2. Long, tapered, pointed wings
  3. Short, distinctly notched or forked tail
  4. Stout, slightly hooked dark bill with dark eyes and legs
  5. Adult male iridescent dark blue-purple with brown-black wings and tail
  6. Female and immature gray above and across the chest with a whitish, variably speckled belly

HabitatOpen and semi-open habitats, especially near water, including fields, wetlands, shorelines, farms, and developed areas. Nests colonially in cavities such as tree holes, building or cliff crevices, and artificial houses or gourds.

BehaviorFast, agile aerial insectivore that alternates quick wingbeats with glides, catches prey in flight, and often feeds and roosts in flocks. A colonial cavity nester and long-distance migrant.

Palette

iridescent blue-purplebrown-blackslate graywhitishdark brown