Acknowledgments Martin Houses Revised by Jeffrey T. Jackson, Extension Wildlife Specialist Attracting Purple Martins Not too long ago, every farmhouse had boxes, gourds or other housing to attract purple martins. Martin houses are not as common today as they once were, but with increasing interest in our environment and nonchemical pest control, the martin is regaining popularity. In fact, more people provide housing today for the purple martin than for any other bird. Generally, it arrives in southern Georgia in early February, reaches northern Georgia by mid-March or April, then leaves during the fall. This means that once a house is used, it probably will continue to be used, and new houses will eventually be occupied as first-year martins look for places to nest.
Martins make nests from twigs, weeds, dead leaves, coarse grasses and similar materials.
The female lays three to eight white eggs and incubates them about 13 days. Both parents feed and care for the young. Young birds stay in the nest three to four weeks. Even after they leave the nest, young martins often return to the vicinity for a week to 10 days before final departure. Types of Martin Houses Martins will nest in a variety of houses.