Purple Martin Houses

Host a lively colony of purple martins with martin houses and gourd racks from Rustic Feathers™. Multi-room houses with starling-resistant entrances, ventilation and landing rails give North America’s largest swallows a safe place to nest.

Why Put Up a Martin House

• Colony living: Purple martins nest together, filling a house with activity.
• Entertaining to watch: Martins swoop and chatter all summer long.
• Insect eaters: Martins feed on flying insects.
• Long tradition: Martin landlording is a cherished backyard pastime.

How to Choose a Martin House

Room Count

Start with 8 to 16 rooms and expand as your colony grows.

Entrance Shape

Crescent, starling-resistant entrances help keep starlings out.

Pole System

A telescoping pole makes it easy to lower the house for nest checks.

Tips for Success

Mount martin houses 12 to 20 feet high in an open area at least 30 to 40 feet from trees, and keep entrances closed until martins arrive in spring. You may also like our Conventional Martin Houses, Poles & Pole Accessories and Bird Houses.

Shop Purple Martin Houses at Rustic Feathers™

Explore our purple martin houses and poles and start your own colony.