APRIL 2015 • NEBRASKAland 15
Purple Martin
Song or calls: Rich, low "chew" notes.
Song is a series of rich, gurgling notes.
Description: Male is dark, glossy
purplish-blue overall, with wings and
forked, duller black tail. Female and
juvenile are glossy purple above and gray
below. Typical swallow flight of short
glides alternating with rapid flapping.
Habitat: Found in urban, suburban,
and rural habitats, usually near water, and
always where suitable nesting cavities are
available.
Where in Nebraska: Common spring
and fall migrant and summer resident
across most of Nebraska. Presently
Ogallala, Lewellen, and Crescent Lake
represent the approximate western limits.
Fun Facts: Purple martins gather in
large flocks prior to migration. In fact,
more than 30,000 have been estimated to
roost in one area of downtown Omaha,
Nebraska. ■
To learn about more birds visit
NebraskaBirdLibrary.org.
Nebraska Bird Library
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