When it comes to attracting purple martins to your backyard, placing and orienting a purple martin house properly is key. Purple martins are selective about their nesting sites and particular about the location and direction of the housing provided for them. Facing your purple martin house in the optimal direction will increase your chances of enticing these migratory birds to take up residence.
What are purple martins?
Purple martins are the largest species of swallow in North America. These familiar backyard birds spend their winters in South America but migrate north to breed during the summer months. Purple martins are extremely social, preferring to nest in colonies with other purple martins. They rely on human-provided nest boxes rather than building their own nests in natural cavities. Offering suitable purple martin housing is the best way to attract a colony to your yard.
Why does direction matter?
Purple martins are sensitive to the placement and orientation of their housing. There are several key factors that influence which direction you should face your purple martin house:
- Sun exposure – Too much sun can overheat the nesting compartments while too little sun exposure makes the interior prone to dampness.
- Predation – Facing the entrance holes away from prevailing winds helps deter predators.
- Food source – Facing towards nearby water sources or open flyways provides optimal foraging.
- Human interaction – Placing the house away from human recreation areas reduces disturbance.
Considering these elements will ensure you choose the ideal direction.
What is the recommended direction to face a purple martin house?
The recommended direction to face a purple martin house is southeast to southwest, with south or southeast being ideal. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Southeast to Southwest
Positioning the entrance holes facing southeast to southwest is the optimal orientation for most situations. A south-southeast to southwest direction provides the following benefits:
- Morning sun helps warm the nest compartments.
- Afternoon shade prevents overheating in summer.
- Protection from prevailing winds and storms.
- Open flyway for foraging.
If your yard layout only allows for a southwestern exposure, aim for south-southwest. Southwestern entrance holes are preferable to northwestern openings.
Avoid North and East
Do not face entrance holes north or east. Northern exposure is too shady and cool. Eastern exposure gets too hot in mid-to-late summer. openings also risk exposure to wet, northeast winds.
Within 30 feet of foraging area
Locate the house within 30 feet of a foraging area, preferably facing the prime foraging location. Purple martins prefer nesting near water, wetlands, or open fields. Ensure the entrance holes don’t open directly towards tall trees, buildings, or other obstructions.
Elevated on a pole
Mount the purple martin house on an elevated pole at least 15 feet from surrounding trees, wires, fences, etc. This allows for clear flight access and reduces predation. Avoid attaching the house to a home, tree limbs, or other structures.
Direction | Pros | Cons |
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Southeast |
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South |
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Southwest |
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What direction should I avoid facing a purple martin house?
There are certain directions that should be avoided when siting your purple martin housing:
North
A northern exposure is not recommended. While a north-facing opening prevents overheating, the nest compartments will be too shaded and cool for purple martins’ preferences.
East
An eastern direction is also not ideal. East-facing cavities warm early in the day but then become excessively hot as the summer progresses. Eastern entrances are also more likely to get drenched in storms.
West
A western orientation is acceptable, although not as good as southern and southeastern directions. West-facing openings receive intense afternoon sun that could overheat nests on hotter days.
Northeast to Northwest
Avoid facing entrance holes northeast to northwest if possible. Northern and western exposures are too cool and shaded for martins. Eastern exposures are prone to overheating later in summer.
Poor Direction | Reason to Avoid |
---|---|
North | Too shaded, cool |
Northeast | Windy, wet, cool |
East | Prone to overheating |
West | Hot afternoon sun |
What if there are obstructions on my property?
Obstructions may force you to settle for a non-ideal direction. Here are some tips if your yard has constraints:
Face away from obstructions
If possible, face the entrance away from any buildings, tall trees, or other obstructions. Martins need a clear flight path to the housing.
Prioritize eastings over northings
If choosing between a north vs. east opening, go with east. North is too cold and shaded.
Add porches and sun shades
Consider adding porch-like extensions or sun shades above the entrance holes if needed to provide shade on east/west-facing houses.
Elevate the house higher
You may need to elevate the mounting pole to 15-20 feet high to raise the entrance above surrounding obstacles.
Move further from obstructions
Try to distance the house at least 30-60 feet away from any problematic trees, buildings, or other barriers.
Clear flyway obstructions
Prune surrounding branches or vegetation to open up the flyway.
Obstruction | Solution |
---|---|
Tall trees | Raise pole height or distance house |
Buildings | Face entrance away from building |
Porch overhangs | Mount house further out |
AC units | Shift house away from noise |
Wires/fences | Ensure 15+ foot clearance |
Can I change the direction once sited?
It’s best not to change the direction of the purple martin house once mounted, but there are times when adjustments may be needed:
Before martins arrive
You can reposition the house early in the season before any scouts or returning pairs arrive at the site.
Between nesting cycles
Rotating the house between first and second nests is possible as long as all young have fully fledged.
If the house is unused
If martins do not occupy the site after 2-3 seasons, rotating to a new direction can help attract a colony.
To provide shade/screening
Moderate shifts to provide afternoon shade or visual screening may be required over time.
To deter predators/competitors
Small direction changes may help discourage predators like hawks, owls, or competing species. Monitor site closely if attempting this.
Scenario | Can Direction be Changed? |
---|---|
Mid-season after move-in | No |
Between nest cycles | Yes, with caution |
Years of no occupancy | Yes |
To add shade or screening | Slightly, with close monitoring |
Conclusion
Properly orienting your purple martin house is key to attracting these colony-nesting birds. The optimal direction is south to southwest, avoiding north and east. Adjustments may be required around yard obstructions. Change directions carefully once sited, if needed. With a well-sited house facing the proper direction, you are sure to entice purple martins to take up residence.