Search

Search
- Search

Purple Patrol: Searching for Natural-Cavity Nesting Purple Martins

Image of a wetland area with various birds in the water and flying overhead, surrounded by aquatic plants and distant trees under a clear blue sky.

A scenic wetland with tall palm trees, green vegetation, and patches of water under a clear sky.

A serene marshland with tall grasses reflecting in still water under a partly cloudy sky, framed by distant trees and a few tall palms.

A scenic view of a wetland area with tall grasses and scattered palm trees at sunset, showcasing a sky filled with golden and orange hues.

Orlando Wetlands Park photographs by Lucy Golebiewski and Brandon Lopez

The Eastern subspecies of purple martin (Progne subis subis) nest almost exclusively in human-constructed bird houses across the United States and Canada. The dependence of purple martins on artificial cavities have made their “landlords” an integral part of conservation efforts. But, it wasn’t always this way… Originally, purple martins nested in natural tree holes and cavities excavated by woodpeckers. However, the availability of suitable nesting sites has decreased with time as natural nesting habitat has been removed to make way for urbanization and development, and invasive species like the European starling have displaced native cavity nesters like purple martins. Interestingly, one of the last places where natural cavity use has been documented is right in our Central Florida backyard – the Orlando Wetlands Park!

As of Spring 2021, the UCF Purple Martin Project is teaming up with Dr. Jason Fischer and the Purple Martin Conservation Association to conduct regular surveys of potential nesting areas at the Orlando Wetlands for purple martin activity. But, to get this community-based science project off the ground, we need YOUR help! Participating is easy, especially if you are a regular birder at the Wetlands anyway.

Please complete this short questionnaire and someone from the UCF Purple Martin Project will contact you shortly!

For Patrol Protocol, Data Sheet, Route Maps, and Data Entry, visit the Purple Patrol Portal

Join our Facebook group: Purple Patrol to connect with other volunteers!

This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts.
Click to show error

Error: No posts available for this Facebook ID

A scenic view of a lake bordered by a green grassy field and a cluster of trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

A large pond surrounded by green vegetation under a partly cloudy sky with a dense tree line in the background.

A serene landscape with trees growing in a swampy area, calm water reflecting the foliage, and a partly cloudy sky with subtle evening light.

A serene wetland landscape with green algae covering the water surface, distant palm trees, and several birds in flight.

Orlando Wetlands Park photographs by Lucy Golebiewski and Brandon Lopez