302 
PASSERIFORMES 
Most characteristically a cliff dweller as its name implies, but in many 
places it uses sides of barns anti buildings for nesting sites. Along the steep 
canyon-like sides of many western rivers its mud nests may be seen in 
hundreds, covering many square yards of surface, so close together that 
their sides touch and are built together. It is interesting to note that, 
though sites are chosen apparently at random, and one occupied situation 
seems no more attractive than others adjoining, when the prevailing rains 
come, the nests, with their soluble walls, are invariably found to be on 
dry spots on the cliff face, in many cases the only dry spots in miles of rock 
front. 
611. Purple Martin, l’hibondellb pourpree. Progne subis. L, 8. Plate 
XLVII B. About the size of the House Sparrow. Adult male, solid black, with steely 
blue and purple reflections. Female, dark, ashy brown above, lightening across breast, 
and dirty white below. 
Distinctions. The largest of our swallows. Somewhat suggestive of the Black Swift, 
but black, highly iridescent, and a true swallow (Compare family details- — Figure 400 
with 388, page 271). The female is a big, brown swallow, much like a Rough-winged, 
but larger. 
Field Marks. 8ize, colour, strong swallow flight, almost falcon-like in its directness, 
and voice make good field marks. Often seen about the business sections of the larger 
cities. 
Nesting. Originally in holes and hollows in trees. Now, mostly in artificial bird- 
houses, cavities in the cornices of buildings, etc. They are sociable nesters and prefer 
to build in communities of their own kind. 
Distribution. North and South America. In Canada, across the southern part of 
the Dominion, excepting the interior of British Columbia. They are common in eastern 
and central Manitoba, but are less numerous and rather local in Saskatchewan and Alberta 
and on the west coast. 
SUBSPECIES. The Eastern Purple Martin (l’Hirondelle pourpree de l’Est) Progiu 
subis subis is the only form of the species now known to occur in Canada, the western form 
Progne subis hesperia hitherto ascribed to our west coast is now regarded as restricted to 
southern California. 
One of the most charming birds to have about. A well-occupied 
martin house in the garden adds a last homy touch to the homestead 
and is well worth striving for. 
During the day the birds scatter over the country, returning at frequent 
intervals with food for their young. At evening all return to the house 
they occupy and retire within its shelter for the night. The young remain 
for a considerable time in the nest and, even after their first flight, old and 
young return to the nest at night. Martins are domestic and sociable 
birds and greet each other with welcoming gurgles and chatterings. Each 
is interested in the other’s family affairs and there is a constant interchange 
of visits between neighbours. They rarely quarrel among themselves but 
show a united front to common enemies, especially the English Sparrow. 
A colony when established can hold its own against that pest very well 
indeed. A martin house should contain several rooms about 8 by 8 inches, 
weather and draft proof at all points except the door which should be about 
2 inches in diameter and 1| inches from the floor. The house should stand 
15 to 20 feet above the ground, out well in the open, and so arranged 
that it can be lowered for cleaning. 1 
1 A pamphlet, “Bird Houses and Their Occupants,” giving full particulars how to build .Martin and bird-houses, 
may be obtained free of charge from the Dominion Parka Branch of the Department of the Interior, Ottawa, 
Ontario. 
