Are Purple Martins federally protected?

Are Purple Martins federally protected?

Purple Martins are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to posess them unless you are a certified wildlife rehabilitator.

Are there Purple Martins in Saskatchewan?

The Purple Martin breeds throughout much of southern Canada, including Nova Scotia, the southern portions of New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba; southern and central Saskatchewan; and north-central Alberta.

What is killing my Purple Martins?

Rival birds and other predators Rival birds, such as the House Sparrow and the English Starling, will kill Purple Martins and their young and then take over their nests. Predators such as raccoons, snakes, owls and other animals are also serious threats to a Purple Martin colony.

Will other birds use a Purple Martin house?

While Tree Swallows and bluebirds are wonderful native species, they may try to take over your martin housing. You can successfully raise Tree Swallows, bluebirds and Purple Martins at the same colony site, as long as you follow guidelines.

Which direction should a purple martin house face?

The good news is that purple martins aren’t picky when it comes to direction; north, south, east, and west are all fine, as long as it’s consistent.

What are purple martin predators?

Predation

• The most common predators for purple martins are owls and snakes which prey on both adults and juveniles.
• Predators like snakes or raccoons are able to climb the bird house poles and make their way to the entrance cavities.
• One anti-predation behavior shown by purple martins is vigilant nest cleaning.

When can you put up a purple martin house in Saskatchewan?

Don’t put your martin house up until four to six weeks after the first purple martins arrive. Once purple martins have used a martin house, they will return to it year after year.

How do I protect my Purple Martin house?

Pole-mounted Purple Martin homes can be protected by ingenious pole obstacles that are designed to address specific threats such as pole-climbing mammals and even snakes. One popular type looks like a car muffler, providing climbing obstacles on the outside.

How do you scare off Purple Martins?

Wrap aluminum foil around any areas where martins are not wanted. When the sunlight strikes the foil, the resulting flash will scare away the martins. The smooth surface of the foil will also prevent the nesting materials from sticking to nearby surfaces.

Is it too late to put up a purple martin house?

NO! Anytime is a good time to install a martin house. Even if the birds have been around for awhile, they see the house and the chances are better for a good colony increase next year. If you put it up too late for the current season they will come back next year and pos- sibly nest.

Where are purple martins most common in Alberta?

DISTRIBUTION: In Alberta, Purple Martins are most common in the aspen parkland, north to the Lesser Slave Lake/Cold Lake areas and across to the Peace River parklands (where they are now slowly recoloniz- ing), south to Delia, west to Drayton Valley and east to the Saskatchewan border.

When do purple martin leave their breeding grounds?

Younger birds (first yearlings) typically arrive to the breeding grounds up to two months later. Fall migration is also staggered, as birds head south when the breeding season is over. Some birds leave as early as July and others stay as late as October.

What kind of bird is a purple martin?

The Purple Martin Progne subis is a conspicuous bird in many populated areas of North America during spring and summer. Averaging 17 to 20 cm in length, it is Canada’s largest swallow. The Purple Martin resembles other swallows in having a slender body, long wings, and a wide beak.

Why are there so many purple martins in North America?

Purple martins suffered a severe population crash in the 20th century widely linked to the release and spread of European starlings in North America. Starlings and house sparrows compete with martins for nest cavities. Where purple martins once gathered by the thousands, by the 1980s they had all but disappeared.