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Step 1
Learn about the migration habits of the purple martin. This bird spends the winter in Brazil, and begins its northward migration in February for breeding. The purple martin may not be spotted in the northern United States until late April.
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Step 2
Compare the difference in plumage between the males and the females. The males have a dark violet appearance, tinged with black. The females are a dull purplish-grey with a mottled white belly. Immature males resemble the dull appearance of females and are often mistaken for females.
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Step 3
Notice the larger size of the purple martin, compared to other swallows. Purple martins are 8 inches in length, while other North American swallows average 5 to 6 inches in length.
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Step 4
Take note of the unique nesting habits of this cavity dwelling bird. East of the Rockies, this bird relies exclusively on human provided apartment style housing. West of the Rockies, the martins utilize abandoned woodpecker cavities or occasionally gourds.
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Step 5
Look for the notched tail of the purple martin to identify it. The rough-winged swallow, which is similar in appearance to the female purple martin, has a straight-edged tail.
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Step 6
Watch the feeding habits of the purple martin. These birds spend all of the daylight hours flying high in the sky, where they catch dragonflies, beetles, cicadas and other insects on the wing. They do not fly erratically like swifts, but rather glide in graceful arcs.
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Step 7
Listen for the robust call of the purple martin when trying to identify it. The sound is described as a "tew-tew" or "pew-pew" sound. This is intermingled with a liquid gurgling song.
