Here they will nest in clusters of gourds and groupings of single-unit wooden boxes. In Washington, Oregon, and the southern tip of British Columbia, people who live on or near the water can help martins by putting up such housing. In California, where martins nest in cavities in trees, lava tubes, and road bridges, it may be possible to attract them to gourds and single-unit boxes. Martins in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico nest only in cavities in trees and cacti. The martin's breeding range is shown on the map in gray.
Horizontal lines mark average arrival dates of older martins at established colony sites.
This means martins can be attracted to new housing through mid-June in the northwest. New hobbyists should not open housing until 4-6 weeks after the dates shown here. If you live in an area where Purple Martins use artificial housing, and are going to put up gourds or wooden boxes, follow the timing schedule above for opening boxes. Even if you do not live within the breeding range of Purple Martins, or if the Purple Martins in your area do not use gourds or nest boxes, there are many other kinds of birds that will nest in wooden houses and gourds. For more information on housing for these species, you can check with a local wild bird store, your local Audubon Society chapter, or consult the local library.