When we talk about Purple Martins, there is a well known fact associated with them. It is a fact that these little birds do not share their martin houses with other birds. The common reason behind this habit is the fear of being killed by birds like starlings and sparrows. However, these are not the only threatened species. There are also other species that can cause damage to the planes, preventing them from nesting in their aviary again. Here are some predators of the purple planes that you should be aware of:
woodpeckers
As the name suggests, woodpeckers like wood and can ruin a wooden birdhouse by pecking at pre-drilled holes and enlarging them. These birds are not much of a threat to aircraft; however, having them in your garden would mean the destruction of the martin house. To avoid destruction, it is recommended to sandwich a 1/16” thick piece of aluminum between two pieces of wood which will not allow the woodpecker to succeed in its mission to enlarge the entrance holes.
snakes or squirrels
Animals such as snakes and squirrels are classified as climbing predators of purple housebirds. These species, in addition to raccoons, love birds and their eggs. Squirrels rush to grab the egg and an attack by any of these animals can result in the complete destruction of a colony. Also, since raccoons are strong, they also possess the ability to break through the aluminum used in the Martin house to get to their prey.
Snakes are also very dangerous to purple planes. They not only climb the birdhouse pole, but also live there until all members of the colony are consumed. Given the chance, a snake can easily clear your martin home before you know it.
owls and ravens
Owls, ravens, blue jays, hawks, and coopers are placed in the same category as commonly referred to as flying predators. Interested in both the adult birds and the eggs, these clever birds will destroy your martin house at high speed. Adult birds usually escape and never return. Since these flying predators are a common sight for purple martins, adult birds know how to maneuver them.
To prevent these predators from destroying your purple martin colony, it is recommended that the house martin be properly positioned away from trees and have a good amount of airspace around it.
