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  • Purple Martin or Something Else?

    Question

    Is this bird a Purple Martin? If not, can you ID?

    Naturalist's Response

    This is a Tree Swallow, an aerial acrobat that can be seen swooping and spiraling through the sky. These cavity-nesting birds return to the area each spring to take advantage of abundant insects for food. They can be seen in open areas such as meadows, often using nest boxes intended for the Eastern Bluebird, and have one nesting per year. If you put up a bluebird nest box, we recommend that you consider putting up two so that both the bluebirds and the Tree Swallows have a place to nest.

    Thanks for your question!

    -Naturalist Denise Wolfe