Nova Scotia · Summer breeder

Purple Martins in Nova Scotia

When purple martins are present in Nova Scotia, when they nest, which native Nova Scotia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canadian zones 5a–7a yard.

Photo: Rhododendrites / Wikimedia Commons

Status in Nova Scotia: Summer breeder
Nesting window: June–July
Broods: 1 per season
Hardiness zones: Canadian zones 5a–7a (roughly USDA 4–6 equivalent)
Nest box: 1 3/4–2 1/8 in round, or starling-resistant crescent (3 × 1 3/16 in) hole, 6 × 6 in minimum (6 × 12 in preferred) floor, 10–20 ft on a telescoping pole, 40+ ft from trees

When to expect purple martins in Nova Scotia

Purple Martins are summer residents in Nova Scotia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on dragonflies, flies, beetles and moths; flying ants and wasps.

Maritime — cool summers, snowy but ocean-moderated winters, fog and wind along the coast.

Nesting in Nova Scotia

Across Nova Scotia, purple martins typically nest from June–July. Nest site: in the East, nests almost entirely in human-supplied martin houses and gourds. Females lay 3–6 eggs, incubate for 15–18 days, and young leave the nest after 26–32 days.

Cool summers delay nesting compared with inland regions at similar latitude.

Have boxes cleaned and mounted before May — purple martins begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
Use a 1 3/4–2 1/8 in round, or starling-resistant crescent (3 × 1 3/16 in) entrance on a 6 × 6 in minimum (6 × 12 in preferred) floor, mounted 10–20 ft on a telescoping pole, 40+ ft from trees.
Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
Clean out old nests after each brood and again after July.

Native Nova Scotia plants that attract purple martins

Of the regional native plants we track for Nova Scotia, these 8 provide food or cover purple martins use:

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Seeds and wind shelter.

Paper birch

Betula papyrifera · Tree

Catkin seeds and insects.

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea · Tree

Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Arrowwood viburnum

Viburnum dentatum · Shrub

Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.

New England aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae · Perennial

Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Feeding purple martins through the Nova Scotia year

Purple Martins do not use feeders. Supporting them means supplying correctly built colony housing in the open and managing House Sparrows and starlings.

Best foods: Crushed eggshells (calcium) offered on a tray near housing.
Avoid: Seed and suet feeders — martins will not use them.
In Nova Scotia's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for purple martins

Frequently asked

Are purple martins in Nova Scotia year-round?

No. Purple Martins are summer breeders in Nova Scotia and leave for the winter.

When do purple martins nest in Nova Scotia?

Nesting in Nova Scotia typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–6 eggs, incubated for 15–18 days.

What native plants attract purple martins in Nova Scotia?

Balsam fir, Paper birch, Serviceberry, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in Nova Scotia that provide food or cover for purple martins.

What size birdhouse hole do purple martins need?

1 3/4–2 1/8 in round, or starling-resistant crescent (3 × 1 3/16 in), with a floor of 6 × 6 in minimum (6 × 12 in preferred) mounted 10–20 ft on a telescoping pole, 40+ ft from trees.

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.