Purple martins are beautiful birds that make wonderful additions to any backyard. However, properly placing their housing is crucial to attracting them. The height at which you mount your purple martin house will impact multiple factors, including predator protection, temperature regulation, and accessibility. Follow these guidelines to determine the optimal location that balances all considerations.
Protect from Predators
One of the primary benefits of placing purple martin houses high up is to protect the birds from predators. Key predators of purple martins include hawks, owls, raccoons, cats, and snakes. Mounting houses 15-20 feet high or higher helps deter most predators. Raccoons in particular have difficulty climbing smooth poles that are over 15 feet high. Ensure any poles are also baffled or guarded to prevent climbing.
Aid Temperature Regulation
Purple martins thrive in warmer temperatures. Placing houses higher up increases sun exposure and reduces cold air at night. Orienting the entrance towards the south or east can also help maximize sunlight. The optimal summer temperature range for purple martins is 65 to 85°F. Avoid placing houses in shady areas or low-lying cool spots. Higher locations around 15-20 feet benefit from warmer conditions.
Improve Accessibility
Raising purple martin houses higher improves accessibility and visibility for the birds. They need an unobstructed flight path when entering and exiting the house. Elevated houses allow martins to easily approach their home and survey the surroundings for predators from a distance. Purple martins also prefer to perch on the roof of their house for vantage before entering. Houses mounted 15 feet or higher give martins the overhead access they prefer.
Height Recommendations
Most sources recommend mounting purple martin houses 15-20 feet high or higher. Here are some typical guidelines:
Height | Benefits |
15-20 feet | Deters most predators, aids temperature regulation, provides good accessibility |
20-30 feet | Deters nearly all predators, reduces human disturbance |
30+ feet | Maximizes predator protection and privacy |
15-20 feet high covers the minimum recommended mounting height for purple martins. This elevation supports the critical factors of predator protection, temperature, and accessibility.
Going up to 20-30 feet provides enhanced predator deterrence, especially for persistent predators like raccoons. This added height also further reduces human disturbance.
Elevations above 30 feet offer the highest predator protection and most secluded conditions purple martins prefer. However, such heights can limit accessibility and make maintenance difficult.
Most homeowners have good success attracting and maintaining purple martins with houses in the 15-20 foot range. Only go above 20 feet if predation is an issue or you want to grant extra privacy.
Using Poles vs. Mounting on Buildings
Purple martin houses can be mounted atop poles or attached directly to buildings. Both options work, but poles tend to be easier for standard installation heights:
Method | Pros | Cons |
Pole | – Allows variable height adjustment – Easier to baffle/guard from predators – Removes house from human activity near buildings |
– Require installing pole system – Less sturdy in high winds vs. building |
Building | – Uses existing structures – More protected from wind sway |
– Limited height options – Puts house closer to human disturbance |
Poles give the flexibility to position houses at ideal heights for purple martins and make it easier to deter predators. But building mounting can work well for higher sites above 20 feet. In windy areas, a building often provides more stability.
Pole Considerations
If using a pole system, select the appropriate pole height and configuration:
Pole Height
The pole system should allow you to position purple martin houses in the 15-20+ foot range. Standard sections typically have the following heights:
– 10-12 feet
– 15-18 feet
– 21-24 feet
Connect multiple sections with couplers to achieve desired heights. For instance, combining 15 and 21 foot sections can reach around 35 feet.
Pole Type
Common pole options include:
– Telescoping – Adjustable height with winch cables
– Tubular – Round hollow metal or plastic poles
– Square – Square metal or wood poles
Telescoping poles allow easy raising and lowering for maintenance. Tubular metal poles are lightweight and resistant to weather and animals. Square wood posts provide a rigid foundation but will require rot-proof treatment.
Guards and Baffles
Install plastic or metal guards and baffles on poles to prevent predators from climbing up. Cones, collars, and pole covers are all useful deterrents. Position guards at least 5 feet off the ground on uprights and any connecting crossbars.
Standing vs. Hanging
Purple martin poles either stand upright or hang from crossbeams in a horizontal configuration. Standing poles are most common for standard installations. Hanging crossbeam systems take extra effort to install but maximize pole height.
Standing Pole | Crossbeam | |
Installation | Simple | Requires hanging horizontal crossbeams |
Height | Limited by pole length | Crossbeam allows greater height |
Stability | Stable in wind | Can sway more from wind |
Evaluate your site to determine if a standing pole or crossbeam system will work better. Crossbeams allow heights above 30 feet for maximum predator protection. But standing poles offer simpler installation and less wind movement.
Building Mounting
For installing purple martin houses on buildings, choose an appropriately high site:
Building Choices
– Barns
– Sheds
– Gazebos
– Tall garages or houses
– Apartment/condo buildings
Barns and sheds provide good elevated options away from high traffic areas. For homes, select a high dormer, roof gable, or chimney at least 15 feet up. The highest safe point on an apartment or condo building also works well.
Location
Consider these factors when picking a location:
– South or east exposure for warmth
– Under overhang for weather protection
– Near interior wall to deter predators
– Away from windows or high use areas
Mounting houses above distant garage doors or high walls facing south or east will satisfy multiple criteria.
Mounting Method
Use one of these techniques to affix houses to buildings:
– Bolts with washers directly into wall
– Bracket attached to wall studs
– Eye-bolts screwed into overhang beam
– Steel banding strapped around chimney
Proper anchoring is crucial to avoid houses falling in storms. Apply silicone sealant around bolts penetrating walls.
Multi-Compartment Houses
Purple martins prefer to nest colonially. Multi-compartment houses support larger colonies and more pairs.
Compartment Number
Most sources recommend a starting size of 6-12 compartments. From there, the colony can expand with added compartments.
Here are some common purple martin house sizes:
Compartments | Pairs Supported |
6-12 | 6-12 |
12-18 | 12-24 |
18-24 | 24-48 |
24-36 | 48-72 |
Start on the smaller end unless you witness an established colony in the area. You can always expand in future years.
Expansion Options
To expand capacity, there are two main options:
– Starling-resistant compartments – Stop starlings taking up spaces
– Additional units – Add whole new 6-12 compartment units each season
Expanding with starling-resistant compartments allows incremental growth while keeping everything in one pole system. Adding full new units gives more flexibility but requires additional poles and maintenance.
Placement Tips
– Face entrance holes east or south for warmth and sunlight
– Allow 2 feet minimum spacing between compartments
– Align compartments close to pole for most protection from elements and predators
– Angle compartments slightly downward for drainage
Proper orientation and alignment of compartments will help attract more martins.
Dealing with Heights Above 30 Feet
For houses mounted extremely high above 30 feet, consider these factors:
Professional Installation
Have experienced contractors install any complex roof-based or hanging pole systems at extreme heights. Don’t risk dangerous situations doing this yourself.
Sturdy Anchoring
Use robust metal brackets and pole structures rated for winds and high vibration. Reinforce and over-engineer mounts, so houses stay absolutely secure in all conditions. Don’t cut corners with subpar mounting hardware.
Remote Monitoring
Use mounted cameras, mirrors, or telescopes to monitor houses at a distance. Watch activity levels from below to know when birds move in or need maintenance. This avoids risky climbing for routine checks.
Lowering Mechanisms
Build in a method to easily lower houses down for servicing using pulleys, cranes, or telescoping poles. Attempting maintenance at great heights is otherwise challenging. Periodic lowering makes cleaning and repairs much safer.
Hire Annual Maintenance
Employ an experienced climber or company to handle seasonal maintenance if you can’t adequately lower houses yourself. Paying pros to access difficult locations is advisable for high ongoing safety.
Conclusion
Properly elevating purple martin houses is critical for attracting these aerial insectivores. Mount houses on poles or buildings at minimum heights of 15-20 feet. Go higher up to 30 feet if you have serious predator issues or want to grant extra seclusion. Position houses for optimal temperature, sunlight exposure, predator protection, and accessibility. Carefully consider mounting locations and methods. Use sturdy poles and hardware rated for the height and winds. Expanding multi-compartment houses support larger colonies. For extremely high locations above 30 feet, take extra precautions like professional installation, remote monitoring, and maintenance help. With proper placement and diligent care, your purple martin house will safely provide critical nesting habitat for these treasured birds for many seasons.