

Desert Purple Martins in Southeast Arizona
Have you ever seen a Purple Martin in Southeast Arizona? These charismatic, large swallows are a beloved and iconic nestbox species in the eastern half of the United States, but if you know where to look they can be found here as well. The Desert Purple Martin (Progne subis hesperia) is a distinct subspecies that times its nesting to monsoon abundance and nests almost exclusively in saguaros or other large columnar cacti. These are “wild” martins that use naturally occurring cavities, while the eastern subspecies is said to be entirely reliant on human-made nestboxes. Desert Purple Martins are extremely understudied with large gaps in knowledge about their nesting, migration, and wintering grounds.
Tucson Audubon has launched a study on these fascinating birds—The Desert Purple Martin Project—and you can participate!
PRESENTATION
Wednesday, June 30, 1–2 pm
Desert Purple Martins–How You Can Help | Presenter: Jennie MacFarland
Register Here
Tucson Audubon launched a new study last year on the unique subspecies of Purple Martins that call the Sonoran Desert home. Join us today to learn more about the program, how you can help (there are many levels of commitment available), and why we are doing all of this.
Desert Purple Martins: A Unique Subspecies
The timing of nesting and migration of Desert Purple Martins is very different from the rest of the species. They arrive in southern Arizona very late, usually mid May, and time all of their nesting activity to take advantage of the abundance of our rainy season in July and August. At this time males will often gather in the evenings and roost together in a large tree. The females stay in the nest cavity with the eggs or chicks overnight.
When the birds prepare to migrate again in late August and September, the adults and young will gather into groups, sometimes very large, and roost together overnight. Their distinctive calls can be heard as they feed throughout the day, soaring high up in the air in search of insect prey.
Have you seen Desert Purple Martins nesting in a saguaro or have you seen a group gathering in the evening to roost in a tree? You can report what you have observed HERE and contribute data to our project.
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120 Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
RARE BIRD ALERT
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520 629-0510
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Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120
Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
RARE BIRD ALERT
FIELD TRIPS
JOIN
DONATE
e-News sign up
520 629-0510
CONTACT US
Tucson Audubon Society
300 E University Blvd. #120
Tucson, AZ 85705
Mason Center
3835 W Hardy Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742
Paton Center for Hummingbirds
477 Pennsylvania Ave.
Patagonia, AZ 85624
520 415-6447
RARE BIRD ALERT
FIELD TRIPS
JOIN
DONATE
e-News sign up
520 629-0510
CONTACT US