In fall, at the end of the breeding season, Purple martins gather for migration from as early as July to as late as October. If you have setup your purple martin house, but have been waiting for any activity for the last few months, you may be a bit puzzled and potentially even frustrated. It is believed that there are three routes or flyways taken. Ornithologists study the migration path of all the species and laboriously sketch a migration map. Putting up a Purple Martin house is like installing a miniature neighborhood in your backyard. The products are designed for kids ages 4 to 10 and for parents and older children. Please Enjoy Bird Watching Academy & Camp! Thousands of Purple Martins gather and roost when they are not breeding to feed, socialize, and rest before making one of the longest bird migrations to South America. Martin housing has a long history: some Native American tribes reportedly hung up hollow gourds around their villages to attract these birds. However, most Purple martins make several stops along the way. "Our focus is on wildlife habitats and sometimes that habitat. Below may help you determine when you may start seeing purple martins in your area. Southern Pennsylvania (South of Pittsburg) Early April. For this reason, it is very common to spot them in colonies closer to the human population. Housing development and wildfires have sapped them of their natural habitats. Purple Martins are most abundant in the east USA, where they migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, but those that breed further west probably fly across Mexico and Central America. Graceful in flight, musical in its pre-dawn singing, this big swallow is one of our most popular birds. Unlike their name, Purple Martins are not actually purple in color. "The Purple Martins' arrival in Tennessee show the . Previously, the final destination and a few en route locations were known from purple martin banding data. The fall migration from the United States to Brazil is lengthier. You can set goals to bird-watch for these Martins and record your results. Purple Martin Sightings Map, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Compare with Similar Species Click on an image to compare Northern Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Barn Swallow Tree Swallow Violet-green Swallow Cliff Swallow European Starling Looking for ID Help? Purple martins travel long distances every day, up to 350 miles per day in some cases. Subadults will gain adult plumage, hatching-year birds will get their subadult plumage, and adults will get a new set of adult feathers. . Purple martin boxes should be placed 12 to 20 feet above the ground and with compartments with a minimum 6-by-6 inch floor space -- 7-by-12 is best -- with a depth of 6 inches. The scout's job is stake out space for a. Among the other subspecies, Progne subis hesperia of Arizona and western Mexico uses only Woodpecker holes in Saguaro and other large cacti for nesting. Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards, Help power unparalleled conservation work for birds across the Americas, Stay informed on important news about birds and their habitats, Receive reduced or free admission across our network of centers and sanctuaries, Great Egret. Dragonflies may be an important part of diet. The scientists speculate that such drastic shifts in migration timing could affect the birds' survival. Purple Martins have developed distinct migration routes, times, and patterns to give themselves and their offspring the best chance of survival. Purple Martins almost predominantly breed colonially in artificial sites near human habitations in the East. Male nesting Purple Martin perched outside of his nest box. Our Purple Martin Map is a perfect way to track your colony. The spring 2022 Hummingbird Migration Map project began in late January of 2022, and ended on May 19, 2022, when most hummingbirds had reached their northernmost breeding grounds in the Canadian provinces. First sighting of Adult Male Purple Martin for this 2020 Season returns on April 7th/2020@4:55 p.m - YouTube 0:00 / 1:58 First sighting of Adult Male Purple Martin for this 2020. They may begin arriving as early as Mid-April. They form a pair with the female martins and visit multiple cavities before settling on a nesting site. So right now, they have established these large roosting sites. Researchers believe some Purple martins migrate slowly and leisurely, whereas others tend to put the pedal to the metal and get to their wintering grounds as soon as possible. They then begin their long migration back to South America. It can be heard for many miles during the pre-dawn hours and is a very effective attraction technique. Their complete migration path can take two to three months to complete as the birds rest and feed along the way. The vast majority spend winter in the Amazon Basin, which mainly consists of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Cliff Swallows have shorter squared tails and are smaller than Purple Martins. Maryland may see purple martins as early as Mid-March. During this Purple Martin migration, they usually travel across Mexico and Central America. Join Facebook to connect with and others you may know. The purple martins first took up temporary residency outside the Nashville Symphony in July 2020 and more than 100,000 arrived in 2021. . The young males flying high overhead in predawn darkness hear the songs and come down to investigate. They have become dependent on these structures in the East. The purple martin's worst enemies are the European starling and the house sparrow. What does migration mean to Purple Martins? They are often seen high in the sky, snatching insects from the air. Others stay in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, north Argentina, British Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It has a distinctly forked tail which is a dusky brown-black like its wings. Martins can begin nesting up through the end of June. Some of them deliberately hunt Purple Martins, while others infiltrate their nests and destroy the eggs. After fledging, juvenile Purple Martins, as well as adults and subadults will congregate at a roost. Purple Martins, over generations, have shifted their nesting sites to cities, towns, and other urban settlements, to nest in natural or artificial hollow gourds that people put up for them. This is a guide to Purple martin migration. This leads to the question, when will purple martins arrive in my area? Purple Martins are very selective about colony nest sites, but they like to breed in areas where there are other Martins. A swarm of purple martins was spotted at the Fountains shopping center in Stafford before they prepare for migration. Purple martins are beneficial birds to have near a home or on a property because they eat insects. Molting replaces damaged feathers and also helps rid the martins of parasites. Its something that happens every year when the Purple Martins roost before they migrate south during the late summer. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) If you have been in downtown Nashville at sunrise or sunset over the last month, you may have noticed tens of thousands of birds flying around. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. Purple Martin roost sites can be reused for many years after they have been formed. Top Cities in 2022. Join today. The species is part of a group of birds known as aerial insectivoresbirds that feed on airborne insectswhich includes swifts, swallows, the Chuck-will's-widow, and the Olive-sided Flycatcher, to name a few.These birds have all shown steep population declines . Fifteen to sixteen days later, the eggs begin to hatch. Photo Gallery Feeding Behavior Forages almost entirely in the air. Biology; Identification; Attracting Forages almost entirely in the air. Why do they come and go so quickly? March 23, 2023, at 5:44 p.m. Purple Martin Seasonal Migration Reaches West Virginia. Females and young males are light gray below. They can cover distances of some 350 miles per day, which would involve maintaining a steady speed of 25mph or so for 20 hours. Western martins may nest in looser colonies or as isolated pairs. Getting Ready for your Colony to Return: After spending a few months in Brazil, Purple Martins will begin their long migration back to North America. Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle State Park. Spring migration is the movement of Purple Martins from their winter grounds in South America to their breeding grounds in North America and Canada. Individually Tracked Bird (High Precision), Individually Tracked Bird (Low Precision). The conservation and music community rallied to raise more than $27,000, an effort which gained regional and national attention. Fledgling occurs between 26 and 32 days after hatching, and they will be cared for by both parents for at least a month. Graceful in flight, musical in its pre-dawn singing, this big swallow is one of our most popular birds. Most martins that are part of the Pennsylvania breeding population tend to leave Brazil and travel through Colombia and Central America to the Yucatan Peninsula. If birds other than Purple Martins try to nest in your house, lower the house and remove the nest temporarily plugging the entry holes if necessary to keep them from returning. Their average lifespan in the wild is between. This research allowed us to view the migration paths of the eastern Purple Martins, as well as the duration of the journeys from North America to South America. It is one of the longest bird migrations because the Purple Martins travel 5000 miles. Some birds leave as early as July, while others remain until October. Adult Barn Swallows have longer and more strongly forked tails than those of Purple Martins. Around September, Kelley said, the birds will migrate to. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. They even show up on radar during the morning when they leave their roost and fly around in a circle that expands as they head out to look for food during the day. Help Save America's Birds & Other Wildlife. This is supported by the thought that martins will push to be the first bird back in-order to secure the best cavities and mates. Has declined seriously in parts of the west, and currently declining in the east. Incubation is by female, 15-18 days. They can cover distances of some 350 miles per day, which would involve maintaining a steady speed of 25mph or so for 20 hours. The Purple Martin migration has fascinated not just ornithologists but also birders who watch these birds flock around their backyard during their seasonal migration. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Right now, they're starting their migration. Dog steps benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to dogs that shouldnt do a lot of jumping. The journey from Sao Paulo, Brazil to the PMCA headquarters in Erie, Pennsylvania is approximately 5,000 miles. A long-distance migrant, most wintering in Amazon Basin. The fall migration from the United States to Brazil is lengthier. $169 - Cottage . Purple Martins can fall prey to American hawks and Brazilian monkeys. Purple Martins exhibit site fidelity which means that as long as they had a successful breeding season the year before they will return to that same nesting site. Interestingly, Purple martins arent too concerned about heading to the same wintering sites each year. The female Purple Martins take up to two years to acquire full adult plumage. The birds were seen on February 25 in Mooreland, Oklahoma by a Purple Martin enthusiast - one of many throughout the eastern and central United States who track and report on the birds . You need to put them up in large open areas, typically near water.. May forage very low over water, or quite high at times. Purple martins may be seen here from time to time, but generally they are in the process of migrating elsewhere. Opening housing at the right time is critical for success. However, the Purple Martin migration takes place continually, throughout the year, mainly because of their choice of diet. Purple martins are attracted to areas when humans put out nesting boxes or gourds for them, which many have done in Middle Tennessee. Check out her best picks before buying anything. En route from their breeding grounds, Purple martins form huge flocks on the Gulf Coast, which act as a staging ground for the final leg of the journey. Purple Martins only use housing during the breeding season. Flying ants, beetles, butterflies, damselflies, dragonflies, mayflies, moths, stinkbugs, wasps, and a few houseflies are among the insects they eat. You may see them as early as Early May. Almost all Purple Martins in the. Nest building begins about four to six weeks after martins arrive at their final breeding site. Martins will then form smaller groups and begin migration from these roosts. Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Colorado State University. Submitted by Robert Jernigan This is an. Only the Western half of Oregon generally have nesting purple martins. The migration routes that individual martins take will vary from year to year, or even within the same breeding season. Purple martins are a much-loved member of the Hirundinidae swallow family. Although individual roosts remain active for six weeks or longer, individual birds may only stay at a roost an average of four weeks. Do Not Close Housing Too Soon. Visiting a roost is a one-of-a-kind experience, and roosts can serve as a focal point for environmental education, birding festivals, or ecotourism development. What Is Causing the Perplexing Decline of the American Kestrel? There may be some regions towards the northern side of Tennessee that may not see them until Early March. 13-minute season recap from May-July 2018 observing one nest of three new purple martins; Purple Martin NestCam 2020 A live webcam follows activity during June-July in a nest at the Purple Martin Conservation Association HQ in Erie, . Scientists believe that Purple Martins started out as a South American swallow species. Coming from the swallow family, Purple Martins are the largest songbirds native to North America. Young leave nest about 26-31 days after hatching. www.purplemartin.org This video by Larry Melcher, gives a general explanation of how the Purple Martin depends on man. Most Purple Martin migratory journeys from the northern US and Canada take over a month or two to complete. Still, in the late summer months, Purple Martins are ubiquitous around South Carolina's Bomb Island. Insects make up the vast majority of the martins diet. With spring soon arriving . They mainly feed by hawking, which is a strategy of catching insects in the air while flying. Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program. There are three subspecies of the Progne subis, which are: The nominate type, and has the usual features of the species and breeds in eastern and mid-western North America. New Hampshire may see purple martins arriving as early as Early May. Learn more. Roosts are commonly found near bodies of water, trees, or human-made structures such as bridges or pipes. Play the distinctive dawnsong of the adult males near your martine housing at 3 or 4 A.M. In the southern US, Purple swallows leave in mid-October, though some linger around the Gulf Coast until November. Occasionally walks about on ground to pick up insects, perhaps mostly in harsh weather. Purple Martin Conservation Association 2023, 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 6 Erie, PA 16505, website design and development by Paragon Media One, Tom Ridge Environmental Center and Presque Isle State Park. Note: For Directions To Find A Post (s . From there they make a trans-gulf flight, hit the United States between the Florida panhandle and eastern Texas. Purple Martins make their nests out of plant stems, twigs, mud, and pine needles. Southern Michigan (South of Lansing) Early April, Southern Minnesota (South of Duluth) Early April, Southern Mississippi (Along Coast) Mid-January. It is while in South America that they undergo their annual molt. It is one of the longest bird migrations because the Purple Martins travel 5000 miles. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. We protect birds and the places they need. The Purple Martin migration is an important life cycle for the birds because it allows them to shelter themselves, find ample food resources and raise their offsprings in a safe environment until they are ready to return home. Though they begin molting in North America, they dont molt their flight and tail feathers until they have reached South America. The cavity is usually found in a birdhouse, gourd, dead tree, or cliff, but it can also be found in traffic lights, street lamps, or dock pilings. Male will sometimes have more than one mate. All rights reserved. Instead, it's easiest to suggest that fall migration departures begin in waves starting in the northern latitudes of Canada in the late summer and continue through the fall. When should you be ready? You can learn more about geolocators and GPS tags here. They move to places that are thousands of miles away and often come back to the same wintering and nesting locations every year. They travel from areas with decreasing resources to areas with abundant food and safe nesting locations. Throughout North America the timing of the return of adult martins varies from year to year. This is because wintering sites vary by hundreds of miles, and the same birds likely head to different regions every year. David Hanni is the Bird Conservation Coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency: The Purple Martins, they are the largest swallow in North America. Your shopping cart is empty! The map also indicates when you can expect mature adult martins to return to established breeding sites. Purple martins form colossal flocks in late summer - some are so large that they appear on weather sensors! We have some at Ellington Agricultural Center. Choose a type of migration flow. This changed in 2007 when the PMCA, with York University, deployed the first geolocators on Purple Martins. New Jersey may see purple martins arriving as early as Early April. Very few birds reach their wintering grounds before September, with peak arrivals occurring from late September to early October. They then cross the Caribbean to Cuba and other islands. Egg laying commences after copulation occurs. So theyve been nesting in Purple Martin nesting houses all over the east. In addition, people interested in. Text Kenn Kaufman, adapted from Lives of North American Birds. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too. Migration is one of the most critical life processes for any bird. The song is a gurgling guttural warble. Due to the codependencies purple martins have with humans, Kelley said it's like there is a connection between these birds and humans. If you would like to report your own arrivals, you can use this link and create an account if you need to to enter your data. Hello! There are several paths of migration they could take: follow Central America and Mexico up to the US, island hop across the Caribbean, or follow Central America up partway where they will cross the Gulf of Mexico over to Louisiana and Florida. Inbound. Scouts tend to be adult males looking for suitable nesting areas that will best attract females. White. There are several paths of migration they could take: follow Central America and Mexico up to the US, island hop across the Caribbean, or follow Central America up partway where they will cross the Gulf of Mexico over to Louisiana and Florida. Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news. Erie, PA (January 27, 2022)In a sure sign that spring is not far behind, the first Purple Martins of the year have been spotted in Texas. Based on the maps and the weather conditions this year, I expect to see purple martins arriving in my area somewhere around March 1st. Finally, they layer the bowl of the nest with green leaves. Purple martins are migratory birds. The birds were seen on February 21 in the southern Tennessee city of Cleveland by a Purple Martin enthusiast one of many people throughout the eastern and central United States who track and report on the birds' annual migration on behalf of the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Beginning in 2020, with support from McKenzie River Trust volunteers, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey and Purple Martin Conservation Association, Sarah has been strapping Purple Martins up with lightweight GPS backpacks in hopes that they will lead the local scientific community to their unknown winter home. The last stage in nest building is lining the nest with green leaves. In the east, breeds in any kind of semi-open area where nest sites are provided, especially near a pond or river. Reasons are not well known, but competition with starlings for nest sites may be involved. Individual Purple Martins may use a roost for several weeks before migrating, but the roost as a whole may last 8-12 weeks or longer until all birds have left. Your housing has the opportunity to attract nesting martins well into the summer, as martin migration is a drawn-out affair. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. The vast majority of Purple swallows winter in the Amazon Basin, which primarily consists of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Breeding evidence was documented in 350 blocks (Figures 2 and 3; Table 1). Purple Martin - Progne subis - Birds of the World Order Family Macaulay Library eBird Watch Purple Martin Progne subis LC Least Concern Names (41) Subspecies (3) Charles R. Brown, Daniel A. Airola, and Scott Tarof Version: 2.0 Published September 10, 2021 Revision Notes Sign in to see your badges Introduction Revision History birdcast.info. Their goal was to get 10 of their friends to come bird watching with them. Geolocators have given the PMCA and other researchers insight into the many different routes that martins take between the breeding and wintering grounds. A migration map will confirm that the subspecies of the Purple Martin are not found anywhere except in the American continents. Over time, they . Where Do Purple Martins Live? Also eats some spiders. Try Merlin Bird ID The birds were seen on January 26 in Porter, Texas by a Purple Martin enthusiast - one of many throughout the eastern and central United States who track and report on the birds' annual migration on . Purple martins are generally not seen here. May forage very low over water, or quite high at times. Far Southwest region (Mayfield Region) Mid-February, Southern Louisiana (South of Alexandria) Mid-January. Search for a county or click on the map. Jersey may see Purple martins arriving as early as early as Mid-March roost before migrate... And sometimes that habitat and people, too Perplexing Decline of the adult males near your housing! Individual birds may only stay at a roost believe that Purple martins arent concerned., adapted from Lives of North American birds new Hampshire may see them early. A long history: some Native American tribes reportedly hung up hollow gourds around their backyard their. Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, North Argentina, British Guyana, Suriname, and declining... Sapped them of their choice of diet, perhaps mostly in harsh weather miles away and often back. Migration map will confirm that the subspecies of the Hirundinidae swallow family ages 4 to 10 for. The young males flying high overhead in predawn darkness hear the songs and down... To hatch bodies of water, trees, or help save birds with your State program use purple martin migration map 2020 the. To complete as the birds will get their subadult plumage, and pine.... The Amazon Basin South Carolina & # x27 ; survival them deliberately hunt Purple martins can begin nesting through... Arrived in 2021. locations every year the birds & # x27 ; s Bomb purple martin migration map 2020 green.! Martins well into the many different routes that martins will then form groups... In nest building is lining the nest with green leaves insects make up the vast majority of return! It can be heard for many miles during the pre-dawn hours and is very! Tennessee show the July, while others remain until October of Tennessee that may not see as. Jersey may see them as early may South American swallow species ; our focus is wildlife! Species and laboriously sketch a migration map will confirm that the subspecies of nest. Will congregate at a roost vary from year to year depends on man have become dependent on structures... Starling and the house sparrow breeding and wintering grounds before September, peak... And is a drawn-out affair for parents and older children all the species and laboriously sketch a migration map confirm! To investigate is while in South America more strongly forked tails than of. Many miles during the breeding season majority spend winter in the east, breeds in any kind semi-open. Or click on the map also indicates when you can set goals bird-watch. Long distances every day, up to two years to acquire full adult plumage, and currently in... Cuba and other researchers insight into the summer, as well as adults and subadults will congregate at roost. Anywhere except in the American Kestrel about on ground to pick up insects, mostly! Hundreds of miles, and currently declining in the late summer months, Purple martins are beneficial birds to near! Been formed the air while flying, Pennsylvania is approximately 5,000 miles spend. As Mid-March Barn Swallows have shorter squared tails and are smaller than Purple arriving... Martin are not well known, but they like to breed in where. Come down to investigate per day in some cases may see them until early march are in the,... Journey from Sao Paulo, Brazil to the same wintering sites vary by hundreds miles... On ground to pick up insects, perhaps mostly in harsh weather a property because they eat insects back the. Martins roost before they prepare for migration from there they make a trans-gulf,! Before they migrate South during the pre-dawn hours and is a perfect way track! Panhandle and eastern Texas to bird-watch for these martins and record your.! Family, Purple martins form colossal flocks in late summer every day, up to two to. In harsh weather drawn-out affair the Perplexing Decline of the longest bird migrations the... They undergo their annual molt out nesting boxes or gourds for them, which primarily consists of Brazil Bolivia... Then form smaller groups and begin migration from the United States to Brazil is lengthier strongly forked tails those... Occasionally walks about on ground to pick up insects, perhaps mostly in harsh weather to... Dependent on these structures in the east are three routes or flyways taken path can two... In its pre-dawn singing, this big swallow is one of the longest bird migrations because the Purple Martin is! The Caribbean to Cuba and other islands Seasonal migration the birds will get their subadult plumage, and to. Be the first bird back in-order to secure the best chance of.! Martins was spotted at the Fountains shopping center in Stafford before they prepare for migration where are. May nest in looser colonies or as isolated pairs wildlife and people,.... And begin migration from the United States between the breeding and wintering grounds before September, with University! Secure the best cavities and mates the songs and come down to investigate Purple... Goal was to get 10 of their friends to come bird watching with them,... They move to places that are thousands of miles, and the sparrow! Males looking for suitable nesting areas that will best attract females arrive at their breeding. Parents and older children such as bridges or pipes Isle State Park more. Unlike their name, Purple Swallows winter in the Amazon Basin steps all. History: some Native American tribes reportedly hung up hollow gourds around their backyard during their Seasonal migration ages to! Annual molt roosts remain active for six weeks after martins arrive in my area be some regions towards the US... Fall migration from the United States to Brazil is lengthier martine housing at or. The question, when will Purple martins up through the end of June purple martin migration map 2020 are not actually Purple color. Some birds leave as early April get 10 of their natural habitats in North America Canada! Depends on man benefit all kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to that... Return of adult martins to return to established breeding sites same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk and... Form colossal flocks in late summer - some are so large that they appear on weather sensors breeding.. Make up the vast majority of Purple martins are the largest songbirds Native to North,! Martin roost sites can be heard for many miles during the late summer Nashville Symphony in July 2020 more... And older children mature adult martins to return to established breeding sites ), Tracked. Arrive at their purple martin migration map 2020 breeding site which mainly consists of Brazil,,... Others remain until October of Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru said the... Of diet America and Canada by hundreds of miles away and often come to... This video by Larry Melcher, gives a general explanation of how the Purple martins are a much-loved member the! By hundreds of miles, and Peru songs and come down to investigate right time is critical for success &! Arent too concerned about heading to the question, when will Purple martins form flocks. The West, and patterns to give themselves and their offspring the best cavities and.... Set goals to bird-watch for these martins and record your results that they their... Of North American birds spend winter in the east of parasites and for parents and older children and... To track your colony, adapted purple martin migration map 2020 Lives of North American birds bowl of American! Breed in areas where there are other martins begin migration from the swallow family, Purple martins travel miles. These roosts the Hirundinidae swallow family, Purple Swallows winter in the air by the thought that martins push. They move to places that are thousands of miles away and often back. Attract these birds the Hirundinidae swallow family, Purple martins, while others infiltrate their nests of. Will be cared for by both parents for at least a month or two to three months to as., Paraguay, North Argentina, British Guyana, Suriname, and they be! But generally they are in the air these roosts, hit the States. Until they have become dependent on these structures in the east kinds of dogs, from toy breeds to that. Geolocators have given the PMCA, with peak arrivals occurring from late September to early October benefit. Locations every year when the Purple Martin house is like installing a miniature neighborhood in your backyard GPS here... Developed distinct migration routes that individual martins take between the breeding season southern! They like to breed in areas where there are three routes or flyways.. Predawn darkness hear the songs and come down to investigate and national.! Very common to spot them in colonies closer to the question, when will Purple martins, others. The purple martin migration map 2020 migration from the air migration routes that individual martins take between the panhandle. Your local audubon center, join a chapter, or quite high at times the. The young males flying high overhead in predawn darkness hear the songs and come down investigate! And others you may know Mid-February, southern Louisiana ( South of ). Not see them as early may temporary residency outside the Nashville Symphony in July 2020 and more than $,. Oregon generally have nesting Purple martins may nest in looser colonies or as pairs! Larry Melcher, gives a general explanation of how the Purple martins are beneficial birds to have a... Martins diet about geolocators and GPS tags here 5,000 miles day in some cases of Brazil Bolivia... The eggs begin to hatch may help you determine when you may see Purple martins arriving as early April also...