When putting up a purple martin birdhouse, one of the most important considerations is which direction the house should face. Properly orienting a martin house is key to attracting these migratory birds and ensuring their nesting success. In this article, we will go over the optimal direction to face a purple martin birdhouse, the reasons behind it, and other orientation tips to keep in mind.
Face east/southeast
The recommended direction to face a purple martin birdhouse is east or southeast. This eastern exposure helps create warm, sunny conditions inside the birdhouse that purple martins prefer. Here are some of the key reasons why east or southeast is ideal:
- Morning sun: Facing east means the rising sun will hit the birdhouse early in the day. This allows the interior to warm up quickly, creating a more welcoming environment.
- Protection from rain: Southeast-facing houses are partly shielded from cold winds and storms that typically come from the north and west.
- Shade in afternoon: As the sun travels across the southern sky, an east-facing house will be shaded in the hottest part of the day. This prevents overheating.
- Warmer interior: Martins favor warm, dry conditions. Morning sun exposure helps heat up the birdhouse, while afternoon shade keeps it from getting too hot inside.
Positioning the entrance hole on the east side also makes it easier for the martins to enter and exit the house on their morning foraging trips.
Avoid north and west
Conversely, north and west are poor directions to face a purple martin house. Here’s why those orientations should be avoided:
- Limited sun exposure: North and west sides get little direct sun, so the interior of the birdhouse will stay cooler.
- Increased dampness: These sides are more vulnerable to rain, winds, and moisture since they don’t benefit from as much drying sunlight.
- Temperature fluctuations: Less sunlight means the temperature inside the box can drop drastically at night and rise slowly during the day.
- More predator access: Cool conditions, moisture, and varying temperatures make martin houses facing north/west more attractive to competitors and predators.
A north or west entrance hole also forces the martins to take off into any prevailing winds and weather, making exits and entrances more difficult.
Position matters more than direction
When siting your purple martin house, the specific placement and positioning on the pole often matters more than the exact compass direction it faces. Here are some placement tips to optimize the orientation:
- Aim for open, unobstructed exposure to maximize sun and ventilation.
- Tilt the pole slightly to angle the entrance holes toward the southeast.
- Make sure the entrance is not facing walls, fences, or trees that could obstruct access.
- Orient the house away from nearby tree branches to prevent squirrel access.
- Elevate houses on poles at least 10-15 feet high for temperature regulation.
As long as you avoid north and west sides, the ideal direction depends on the positioning, sunlight exposure, and ventilation possible at your specific site.
Adjust direction for your location
While east or southeast is generally recommended, you may need to adjust the orientation based on your specific location. Here are some factors to consider:
- On the coast, face houses toward the coastline to take advantage of ocean breezes.
- In windy areas, point the entrance slightly away from prevailing winds.
- In hot climates, aim for maximum shade and airflow through the box.
- In cooler regions, prioritize sun exposure on the south or east side.
- For privacy, face houses away from neighboring windows or high traffic areas.
You know your site best. Tweak the direction to take advantage of helpful sunlight and breezes while minimizing exposure to harsh elements.
Use multiple houses in different orientations
For large purple martin colonies, it’s ideal to install several birdhouses on varying orientations. This provides lots of options for the martins to choose from. Here are some tips for using multiple houses:
- Space houses 15-30 feet apart to reduce competition and allow multiple pairs to establish nests.
- Vary compass directions between adjacent houses to provide a mix of sun exposure.
- Angle some houses slightly northeast and others southwest to create a fan-like arrangement.
- Place houses on staggered length poles so entrances are all at different heights.
Having multiple options prevents martins from being deterred if they don’t prefer a particular house. It also allows the colony to expand over time.
Other birdhouse orientation tips
Here are a few final points to keep in mind when determining the ideal direction for your purple martin houses:
- Set up new birdhouses in pairs facing different directions to see which one the martins prefer.
- Avoid pointing the entrance at windows, decks, or paths where there’s frequent human activity.
- For porches or balconies, position houses along an eastern wall if possible.
- Don’t worry about minor direction variations, as long as you prevent north/west exposure.
- Monitor sunlight and temperature patterns and adjust direction annually if needed.
Conclusion
Proper purple martin birdhouse orientation is key to attracting martins and encouraging them to nest. An east or southeast direction is generally recommended, as it provides morning sun exposure to warm the interior but mid-day shade to prevent overheating. Exact positioning also matters, so situate the house with an open, unobstructed entrance. Avoid facing north or west, which receive little direct sun. Tailor the orientation to your specific location and climate while giving martins multiple housing options. Following these direction tips will show your martins that their new home is open for business!