purple martin
Quick Summary
The purple martin (Progne subis) is a large swallow native to North America, recognized for the male's glossy, purplish-blue plumage. It is the largest of the American swallows, measuring about 20 cm (8 inches) in length.12
Martins belong to the family Hirundinidae. While the name "martin" in America specifically refers to the purple martin and its tropical relatives, the term can also apply to other swallow species like the sand martin and the house martin. The sand martin, also known as the bank swallow, is a smaller, brown and white bird found across the Northern Hemisphere, nesting in sandbanks. The house martin, common in Europe, is distinguished by its blue-black back and white rump.2
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