Types of Purple Martin Houses

Purple martins are colonial birds that prefer to live in large groups. Because of this, classic "apartment" houses with several levels that share walls are ideal martin housing options. Another popular and effective type of housing are purple martin gourds, and multiple gourds – even dozens of them – can be hung to create a cozy martin community.

There is a lot of variation in the different types of purple martin houses, from smaller, economical houses like the Birds Choice 12 Room House (left) to the much larger Trendsetter Martin Houses for serious enthusiasts.  Individual gourds, like the Troyer Vertical Gourds only house one martin family at a time, but can be grouped on a gourd rack system.  Martins are happy to nest in either system with safety for the nest being the most important aspect.

Martin House Placement - Location, Location, Location

Because martins feed in flight, a large, open area is essential, and the house should be set in the middle of the open space, at least 30 feet from the closest trees or brush. Installing a purple martin house close to your house isn't necessarily bad – these birds are used to living in close proximity to humans.

How high do you put a purple martin house?

Ideally, position the house 12-14 feet above the ground, though houses up to 20 feet in the air can also be suitable.  If there are trees in the area taller than that be sure to place the house at least 30 feet from those trees.  Telescoping poles such as the Birds Choice 12-Foot Heavy Duty Telescoping Pole With Ground Socket are a great option, and the deep ground socket provides good stability to keep the pole safely upright.

Making a House a Home 

It takes more than a good house in a good location to really appeal to purple martins. If you want to attract a thriving colony of these gorgeous birds that will return year after year, there are more factors to consider to make their house even more attractive… 

• Welcoming Entrance
  A home's front door is the first impression it makes, and your first impression on purple martins needs to be a good one. Do you best to keep sparrows from nesting in the compartments before the martins arrive.  In fact, it's advisable to cover your home or seal the entrances each fall after the martins leave and only open the home when you know martins are returning to your area.  A home with an existing nest is not at all inviting.  Door openings can be circular or crescent-shaped with size openings relatively standard.  We generally recommend SREH (starling resistant entrance holes) if you have starlings in the area. 

• Square Footage
  A house has to be the right size to meet a family's needs, and while purple martins don't need even one square foot, the interior of their home's compartment should be at minimum 6x6 inches. Larger homes of 6x9 and 6x12 are recommended if budget allows.  The larger compartments allow for the nest to be some distance from the opening thus keeping it safer from predators such as owls.   

• Porches and Porch Dividers
  A porch can be great for sitting outside in nice weather, and purple martins will certainly use porches – if they are at least 3 inches wide so the birds can walk and perch comfortably. Most all conventional homes also have railings which are used for perching and also help to keep babies safe when they first venture out.  Porch dividers are as welcome on a martin house as the fence between you and your neighbor.  Porch dominance can be common and so dividers are ideal.  If you end up going with gourds you’ll want to look at adding these Heavy-Duty Bolt-on Porches for Crescent SuperGourds. 

• House Color
  Unique house colors may be nice for us humans, but generally speaking, houses are all white for a reason. It helps deflect heat and keep the nest cool on long summer days.  Insulating the inside of the roof is common on the higher end houses like the Trendsetter 12 Martin House along with ventilation and drainage to really pamper the nest.

• Security System
  Safety is always a high priority with homeowners, and it should be the same for anyone with a purple martin house in the yard. Avoid houses with large perches right at the entrances, which could provide grips and access for hungry predators. Baffles, like this Predator Guard, can keep industrious hunters from climbing the pole to reach nesting birds. Different traps, blank doors and screw-on caps are also useful for keeping riffraff – sparrows and starlings – out of the houses, but be sure to get the proper styles and sizes to fit your purple martin house. 

Being a Good Landlord 

Once you have a purple martin house set up and ready for residents, be sure you're ready to be a good landlord to these amazing birds. Monitor the houses regularly so there are no unwanted guests or unwelcome residents, and contact a local birding group, purple martin society or Audubon chapter to see about reporting your results. Avoid insecticide use on your landscaping that would hurt the birds and deplete their food sources, and take steps to protect local habitats such as clean water sources that purple martins need. With care and good effort to create a happy home, you'll soon be hosting your own colony. 

For questions or comments contact us here.

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Choosing the Best Winter Gifts 

When shopping for gifts for winter holidays – a Thanksgiving thank you, a Christmas gift, a Hanukkah present or just something special to ring in the new year – it is best to look for options that can be used right away. Hummingbird feeders, for example, are often popular, but it may be months before they can be put to their proper use. There are plenty of amazing winter options, however, that can warm the hearts of every winter birder!

Top 5 Winter Gifts Birders Will Love 

1. Bird Feeders
   You can't go wrong with a new bird feeder, but choose a feeder type that will appeal to winter birds. The Woodlink Brushed Copper Bird Feeder has sturdy mesh to feed winter finches, and it will be equally useful in the summer when goldfinches visit. For birders who like to offer the high fat foods birds need in winter, the Birds Choice Recycled Upside Down Suet Feeder is ideal, since starlings and grackles can't cling to access the suet but woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees can. The brand new Woodlink Caged Screen Sunflower Bird Feeder is a great option for all-around bird feeding, while the cage will help keep squirrels at bay. If all birds are welcome at the buffet, try the Birds Choice Double Decker Hopper Platform Bird Feeder with its upper and lower levels to accommodate birds of all sizes and species.
2. Baffles
   Help bird lovers protect their feeders with sturdy baffles that squirrels and other critters can't get around. The Woodlink Coppertop Leaf Squirrel Baffle is a broad, beautiful design, while more familiar, versatile stovepipe and wrap-around baffles are also available. Another creative option is The Seed Hoop, which can serve as a baffle as well as a tray to catch spilled seed. Birds will perch on the screen base to feed, and because the seed is caught, there is no worry about a buildup of nasty hulls or rotting seed under the feeder all winter long.
3. Heated Bird Baths
   Even though birds can eat ice and snow, providing liquid water will help birds conserve energy and maintain body heat so they can survive winter's severe conditions. To help winter birds, every backyard birder should have a heated bird bath, and the Allied Precision Heated Birdbath with Pedestal is an elegant option that will be right at home in any garden. For backyard birders who prefer to keep the feathered action on their deck or balcony, the Songbird Heated Birdbath Spa is a great choice that will attach easily to a railing. If a birder already has a favorite bird bath, opting for an immersion heater like the 50 W Birdbath Ice Eliminator can turn any basin into a winter spa birds will enjoy.
4. Homes and Houses
   Being a bird landlord can be a great experience for any backyard birder, but typical songbirds aren't nesting in the winter. More unusual birds are checking out real estate at this time of year, however, and the right house just might get some new tenants! Owls look for secure nesting sites in winter, and the Woodlink Screech Owl Box is a popular option for both eastern and western screech-owls. The Barn Owl Box is another superb choice that will encourage elegant and ethereal barn owls to take up residence. But owls aren't the only birds looking for homes in winter – many ducks will start staking out territory quite early! This Wood Duck Nest Box and the Coveside Hooded Merganser House are both excellent options for cavity-nesting ducks.
5. Gift Cards
   Not sure which gifts will be best for your birding friends and family members? We have gift cards available so you can give the ultimate of flexible gifts that still acknowledges the recipient's love of all things feathered. Denominations of $10, $25, $50 and $100 are available, letting you choose exactly the level of gift card that suits your gift-giving budget, with every penny going to help a birding friend enjoy their passion for birds.

Need more suggestions for the perfect gift? Browse through our store or contact us for customized ideas for both you and the birds!

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Moldy or decomposed seeds and hulls that accumulate on feeder trays can easily make birds become ill. Contaminants such as bird droppings on your feeder can also spread infectious bird diseases. Clean your feeders about once every couple of weeks, and even more often during seasons of heavy use. The best way is to wash your feeder thoroughly in hot, soapy water and soak or rinse it in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Be sure to dry the feeder completely before filling it as to not affect the new feed.   

Clean the area below your feeder too, in order to stop any build-up of birdseed hulls and other waste. Moldy or spoiled food is unhealthy for your pets and other wild animals, not just the bird. Bird food scattered on the ground can also attract rodents, and prevent grass from growing. Space your feeders apart to prevent overcrowding and be certain they don’t have any sharp edges that can injure the birds.   

Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders:  

Your hummingbird sugar solution should be changed every four to five days to prevent mold and deadly fermentation and the hummingbird feeder is best cleaned at least weekly with hot water and a bottle brush. Be sure not to use soap or a detergent. Your hummingbird feeder can also be cleaned by filling it with a dilute bleach solution and rinsing it very thoroughly.

DO NOT use honey in hummingbird food. Honey ferments easily and can grow mold that is dangerous and can even be fatal to hummingbirds. If bees, wasps, or ants become a problem, try moving the feeder to another location and DO NOT put any kind of oil around feeding portals to deter the bees, as the oil might contaminate the nectar.

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Species

Food Preference

Also Likes

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The simplest way to attract birds is to place a bird feeder in your backyard. There are many different types of feeders available and each has advantages and disadvantages. Most birdfeeders are made to hold seeds, but there are others that are specially designed for certain foods such as sugar solution, suet, or peanuts. Which feeders you should choose depends upon the kinds of birds you want to attract to your home.  

Bird Feeders come into in a variety of models and sizes, so it is important to know what you need. Quality is important too as the ideal bird feeder must be sturdy enough to withstand all kinds of weather, tight enough to keep seeds dry, large enough to avoid constant refilling, and easy to clean. Plastic or metal feeders usually beat wooden ones in meeting all these requirements, but with proper care and maintenance, aesthetically pleasing wooden model bird feeders can last for a very long time.  

The number of bird feeders you own, the type, and what feed they offer will both attract and dissuade certain types of bird species. It is best to have a variety of feeders, in order to attract the greatest numbers of birds.  

Types of Feeders  

Tray or Platform Bird Feeder:  

Tray or platform feeders generally have a flat surface, with four short walls on each side, onto which bird food is spread. They attract most species of wild birds, and can utilize a variety of feed. However, they offer no protection against squirrels, chipmunks, rain, or snow, as there are no sides to the feeder, although some models have a roof to provide some protection from the weather. Plus, the seed can quickly become soiled by droppings because birds stand right on top of it. However, platform feeders do allow for easy viewing of seed level, and are generally larger, to accommodate more birds at a time. Tray feeders placed near or on the ground are most likely to attract ground-feeding birds such as juncos, doves, jays, blackbirds, turkeys and sparrows. Tray feeders also work well mounted on deck railings, posts, or stumps, and can also be suspended from trees, making them versatile in placement. Experimenting with height of your feeder will help you find the best place to accommodate the most birds. It is important that your tray feeder has plenty of drainage holes to keep the seed fresh as long as possible.  

Hopper or House Bird Feeder:  

Hopper style bird feeders are generally platform feeders that have a central walled and roofed area, forming an enclosed "hopper," that holds the seed. This type of feeder protects seeds fairly well against the weather, as it is almost completely enclosed, and does a better job of keeping seed cleaner, but is still fairly accessible to squirrels.  It also usually offers the surrounding perching area, found in the platform feeders. Hopper feeders are attractive to most feeder birds including finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice. Also, most hoppers hold a large quantity of seed, and have translucent sidewalls, so you can monitor the level of the seed easily. However, as few are weatherproof, the food may get wet and moldy if it sits for a few days, so for the health of the birds, the quality of the seed so should be closely monitored. Hopper feeders offer the same versatility as platform feeders, as they can be mounted on a pole, suspended from a tree or mounted on a deck. Some feeders feature multiple hoppers equipped to feed and attract several types of birds will feed a large volume at once.

Caged Bird Feeders:

These tend to look like more traditional tube feeders but come with a cage that has meshing large enough that small birds can enter through it and land on the perches of the feeder. These Caged Bird Feeders can  be effective in  keeping large birds from dominating a feeder as well as keeping squirrels out of the feeder. 

Window Bird Feeder:  

Window feeders are usually small platform feeders made of clear plastic and having suction-cups to attach to a window.  This type of feeder attracts finches, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice, as it is generally too small for larger birds. A window feeder's greatest draw is that they allow for close-up views of the birds when they come to feed. However, since they are simple platform feeders, birds will be forced to feed while standing on the seeds inside the feeder, so the food risks becoming soiled faster. Frequent changing of seed is needed with this type of feeder.  

Tube Bird Feeder:  

Tube feeders are hollow cylinder, usually of clear plastic, with multiple feeding openings and perches.  These feeders keep seed fairly clean and dry, as they are enclosed units, and if they have metal feeding ports, they are somewhat squirrel resistant. The type of birds attracted by tube feeders depend on the size of the perches. Shorter perches accommodate small birds such as sparrows, grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, and finches, but exclude larger birds such as grackles, cardinals and jays. Styles with perches above the feeding openings are designed for seed-eating birds that like to feed hanging upside down, such as goldfinches, but detract from other birds. With this type of feeder, you should either know what types of birds frequent your yard, or employ a variety of feeders. Triple tube feeders, Feeders with three cylinders with perches at several feeding ports are perhaps the most popular feeder style. Triple tubes are used by small birds. 

If you are just going to be able to install one feeder, it should be a tube feeder and one with a big tray at the bottom to catch seeds. This will create a good versatile all-purpose feeder and attract the largest variety of birds. Place the feeder where you can see it to enjoy your visitors and near natural cover and shelter such as trees and shrubs, preferably  in a quiet area that has few if any disturbances.

Thistle Bird Feeder:  

Thistle feeders are specialty type of tube feeder that is designed with extra-small openings to dispense only tiny thistle seeds.  These tubes do not have to be plastic, many that are effective are stainless steel mesh.  Thistle is also known as nyjer or niger seed. This type of feeder attracts a variety of small songbirds, especially finches and redpolls. Thistle "socks," fine-mesh bags, to which birds cling to extract the seeds, are another option for distributing only thistle.  

Suet Feeder:  

Suet and seedcake bird feeders are generally wire-mesh cages, although a few are mesh bags, which hold suet cakes or suet mixture. This type of feeder can be suspended, nailed or tied to a tree trunk, or is sometimes mounted on the sides of a hopper feeder. Softer suet can also be smeared into knotholes or on pinecones. Alone, suet cages are smaller feeders, accommodating only one bird at a time. Suet feeders attract a variety of woodpeckers and nuthatches, as well as chickadees, titmice, jays, and starlings. Starlings are known for their violent behavior and messy feeding habits, however, suet cages that are open only at the bottom often referred to as an upside down suet feeder are starling-proof, because they force birds to hang upside down while feeding, something starlings find extremely difficult.  

Hummingbird Feeder:  

Hummingbird feeders come in many shapes and sizes from glass bulbs and saucers to tall plastic cylinders, but they all are designed to contain an artificial nectar or sugar solution for hummingbirds. The bottle or tube types of hummingbird feeder are usually constructed of glass or plastic, and have red plastic flowers and bee-guards on the feeding ports in order to attract the hummingbirds and keep out the bees and other insects.  Saucer types, on the other hand, are usually plastic, and have feeding ports in the top, making them bee-and wasp-proof.  The important things to keep in mind when looking for a hummingbird feeder, is they need to be easy to take apart and clean, because it should be washed frequently. Since the nectar solution contains so much sugar and spoils rapidly, it needs to be changed and cleaned every 3-5 days depending on the weather. Saucer feeders are better than bottle feeders in direct sunlight, as bottle feeders tend to leak in the sun. Air trapped in the top of the bottle expands as it warms and pushes the nectar out.  

Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders:

It’s difficult to feed the birds without feeding the squirrels. Squirrels are pretty formidable athletes.They can climb any post or pole that hasn’t been blocked with a baffle, run along and up and down ropes wires and chains, jump vertically 5’ in the air and leap horizontally at least 10’.  

Squirrel proof bird feeders, are more appropriately called “Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeders”. It’s almost impossible to find a feeder that offers 100% protection from squirrels, gray or red, eating from the feeder. You can come close and most birdwatchers are pleased with “close”. Nevertheless, we call them "squirrel proof" and all our squirrel proof feeders provide excellent protection from squirrel damage. You can get hours of entertainment out of watching the squirrels attempt to master squirrel proof feeders.  You can also choose to try to divert the squirrels away from the bird feeders to feeders of their own.

Squirrel Feeders:  

If you are one of the rare few who enjoy the company of squirrels, or simply need a diversion from your bird feeders, there are a variety of feeders designed specifically for squirrels. These squirrel feeders often use bird seed or ears of corn, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of these feeders feature the playful side of the feeder owner, as they either employ the squirrel's acrobatic ability, or place him in a unique position for photo opportunity, such as sitting at a picnic table. You can spend hours on end watching the squirrels play, ponder, and negotiate these specialty feeders.

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With thought and planning, it's easy to create an environment to attract a variety of birds you'll enjoy year-round.

• Feed them well.
• Grow plants native to your region, especially nectar-producing and seed- and berry-bearing plants. These plants will provide a suitable selection of food sources that appeal to a variety of birds.
• Incorporate tree stumps, and decaying logs into your design to add rustic charm and provide food for insect-loving birds. Be sure to leave dying trees where they are because their natural 5cavities make ideal nesting sites for some varieties of birds.
• Supplement birds' natural diets by filling multiple bird feeders and placing them throughout your yard.   
• Keep them safe and warm by providing nest boxes.   
• Plant vines along with different varieties of shrubs and trees to provide shelter at varying heights.
• Provide evergreens in your landscape for shelter, protection from predators and safe nesting.
• Surround your yard with a variety of densely planted deciduous trees and shrubs for year-round food source   
• Provide water.   
• Place a birdbath in a safe spot in the yard.
• In seasonal, colder climates, use a heated birdbath or heat your water with a bird bath heater, ice-free water is more important to wild birds than food.   
• Add a bubbler or fountain - moving water is irresistible to birds.

Types of Feeders   

Hopper feeders

Can be mounted or hung on a free-standing pole. A hopper feeder has four walls and a top that protects food from the elements. Larger hopper feeders hold a greater amount of seed and, therefore, require less refilling. Hopper feeders attract birds such as Blue Jays, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers and other feeder-birds.

Platform feeders

Can be hung or mounted. A platform or tray feeder is usually a flat feeder in which food can be spread across an open surface. Platform feeders often have a roof to help keep food dry. Find one that has drain holes to keep water out. A platform feeder is the easiest feeder to fill and can attract Cardinals, Black-Capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice. When you place them close to the ground they will also attract ground-feeding birds.   

Tube feeders

Are always hung. A tube feeder is cylindrical feeder that has several ports with perches. It is the size of these ports and the perches that determines the type of food and the birds that will visit. The tube feeder will attract birds such as Goldfinches, House Finches and Purple Finches. If you choose a larger perch tube feeder, you will usually attract a greater variety of birds.   

Locating Feeders 

By spacing different types of feeders in several locations around your yard, you can attract a wide variety of wild birds. It takes time for birds to recognize something new in their environment so don't get discouraged early on.

Place feeders where birds can easily see them since most birds find food by sight, rather than smell.

Put feeders in quiet areas, but make sure they're located where you can see them, such as a kitchen, dining or living room window.

Choose a convenient location so it's easy for you to refill no matter what the weather.

Position feeders close to the shelter of trees and shrubs so birds have a place to wait their turn. But not too close, otherwise predators will have a better chance to stalk your feathered friends.

Vary the height of your feeders to accommodate the feeding preferences of different species.

Provide Shelter - Bird House Placement

The best spot for your bird house is the one that provides the birds safe shelter to raise their young, while giving you hours of enjoyment watching them grow. 

Provide natural shelter- Trees, Shrubs and Plants

• White pine, arborvitae, spruce, juniper, cedar, holly and other broadleaf and needle evergreens provide essential protection from predators and winter weather as well as food.
• Hedges of serviceberry or viburnum provide food, shelter and nesting spots.
• Conifers such as cedar provide warmth, hiding places and places to nest.
• A brush pile of pruned or fallen branches in a corner of the yard or against a hedge creates an instant, bird-friendly shelter or pile old shrubbery branches or logs on the ground to provide additional shelter on cold winter night
• Provide plantings for natural foods.
• Plant and grow plants that bloom and produce fruit, seeds or nuts in addition to placing feeders to attract even more birds to your yard.
• Try to use plants that are native to your area. A local nursery or agricultural extension agency can help you discover which plants will survive and grow best.
• Many perennials, grasses, vines, shrubs and trees provide food for birds:

Grasses for seed - Big Bluestem, Buffalo grass, Gama Grass, Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed

Perennials - Black-Eyed Susan, Blazing Star, Common Evening Primrose, Coneflower, Fireweed, Helianthus, Phlox, Strawberry, Sunflower

Vines - Virginia Creeper, Wild Grape

By following these tips to creating a bird-friendly environment, you will be able to attract a variety of birds that will return time after time and season after season for your continued enjoyment.   

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