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Martin Bird House

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Martin Bird House

The martin is a frequent visitor to most backyards. Unlike some other species, the martin will return to the same housing area year after year. That is if the conditions of the housing have not be drastically altered or raided by more aggressive species.

The purple martin, which is the largest member of the swallow family, spends the non-breeding season in Brazil and then migrates to North America when breeding season begins. West of the Rockies, the purple martin will lay their nest in the traditional way, which is in cavities made my woodpeckers. East of the Rockies, martins are totally dependant on housing supplied by humans.

The main reason why people fail to attract martins is that their martin bird house is placed incorrectly. Martins have very specific requirements. The martin bird house should be placed in the middle of an open space, 30-120 feet from your house. There should be no trees taller than the bird house within 40-60 feet. As a general rule, the farther the martin bird house is away from trees, the better. Also try and keep tall bushes, vines and shrubs away from the pole.

As well as the placement of the bird house the birdhouse itself has specific requirements as well. The martin bird house should be painted white or a light pastel color. The white will reflect the sun keeping the interior of the nest cool. The floor dimensions should measure 6” x 6” but a larger dimension of 7” x 12” may offer better protection from the elements and predators. The entrance hole for the martins can range from 1 3/4” to 2 1/4” but typically 2 1/8” is recommended. Place the hole one inch above the floor.

Look for a martin bird house that can be raised and lowered by telescope or a pulley and winch system. You, as the landlord, may need to check the martin bird house daily for nest-site competitors. Such competitors include wasps, bees, mice and house sparrows. Also look for evidence of intrusion such as owl, crow, and plucked martin feathers.

Martins will return to a specific housing year after year, but the main reason they may abandon their colony is because predators have raided their nests. You can take steps to make the house less of a target for predators. The martin bird house should have an extended or sloped roof that goes out by five inches. This will make it harder for raccoons and cats to reach into the bird house. Attach a predator guard to the pole. Predators are nubile creatures and a guard will make their journey up the pole impossible. Finally, make sure that there is no perch outside the entrance hole to the martin bird house. A perch is an open invitation for a predator and they can use this for leverage and balance.

If you take these precautions and regularly monitor the bird house for disturbances, then you can enjoy the company of martins year after year.