Purple Martin (Progne subis)

• Length: 8 in
• Wingspan: 15.5 – 18 in
• Male is a rich uniform dark purple and black.
• Female is not as brilliantly colored and has a whitish underside with a gray collar.
• Juvenile is drab dark gray with lighter gray throat and whitish underbelly
• Larger swift and any other swallows
• Found colonies or pairs
• Forked tail
• Bill small and sharply pointed near the face
• Found in most areas in Ohio , but look for designated Purple Martin houses
• Underwings uniform dark

The Purple Martin is larger than the Chimney Swift. Also its dark violet colors can be seen in good lighting while the Chimney Swift is dull.

Photo courtesy of Ronnie Bergeron, Morgue File	Photo courtesy of Maslwoski Productions