10 Best Purple Martin Bird Houses for Your Backyard: Top Picks

Purple Martins are one of the most beautiful and fascinating birds in North America. They are known for their acrobatic aerial displays and their ability to devour thousands of insects per day. If you want to attract these birds to your garden, a Purple Martin birdhouse is a must-have.

A Purple Martin birdhouse is a special type of birdhouse that is designed specifically for these birds. It is larger than a typical birdhouse and has multiple compartments to accommodate a colony of Purple Martins. The birdhouse should be placed in an open area, at least 30 feet away from trees and buildings, to provide the birds with a clear flight path.

When choosing the best Purple Martin birdhouse, there are a few critical things to consider. The size of the birdhouse is crucial, as it needs to be large enough to accommodate a colony of birds. The material of the birdhouse is also essential, as it should be durable enough to withstand the elements and last for many years.

We spent hours researching and testing ten Purple Martin birdhouses to identify the ones that are the best in terms of size, material, and durability. Our top picks are sure to attract these beautiful birds to your garden and provide them with a safe and comfortable home.

Best Purple Martin Bird Houses

If you’re a bird lover, you know that Purple Martins are a delight to watch. These birds are known for their beautiful songs and aerial acrobatics. If you’re looking to attract these birds to your backyard, a Purple Martin bird house is a great investment. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best Purple Martin bird houses available on Amazon. Our selection includes a variety of styles and sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect bird house for your needs.

S and K Purple Martin House, 12 Room

If you’re looking for a durable and lightweight birdhouse that can house up to 12 purple martin families, then the S and K Purple Martin House is a great option.

Pros

• Snaps together in minutes with no tools required
• Houses up to 12 purple martin families
• Slightly sloped floors for drainage

Cons

• Difficult to assemble
• Does not include porch dividers recommended by some experts
• Flimsy looking

The S and K Purple Martin House is made of UV grade polypropylene copolymer plastic and is designed for use with S&K’s telescopic poles. The birdhouse includes divided compartments for up to 12 families, with enclosed keyhole-style entrances measuring 2-1/4 inches in height and width. The compartments are 6 by 6 inches with 3-by-6-inch railed porches and white front panels to increase entrance visibility. Although the house does not include the porch dividers recommended by some experts, it does have slots in which you could fashion an adaptation. The house also has slightly tilted floors for drainage and hinged front panels for end-of-the-season cleanup.

Assembly can be difficult, and the snaps may pop out almost as soon as they are inserted. Some users have had to glue plastic/cardboard inner sections and finally ended up using plastic ties to complete the assembly. The birdhouse looks flimsy, but it is sturdier than expected.

In summary, the S and K Purple Martin House is a great option for those looking for a durable and lightweight birdhouse that can house up to 12 purple martin families. Assembly can be difficult, but the birdhouse includes features such as slightly sloped floors for drainage and hinged front panels for end-of-the-season cleanup.

S&K 12 Room Purple Martin House Package

If you’re looking for a complete package to invite martins into your yard, the S&K 12 Room Purple Martin House Package is worth considering.

Pros

• The plastic, 12 room house offers plenty of room for martins to nest.
• The included decoys aid in attracting martins.
• The book offers in-depth information on the birds, making it easier to care for them.

Cons

• The aluminum pole is difficult to insert and the metal clips meant to hold it aren’t very secure.
• The house itself is all plastic and cardboard, which doesn’t seem very durable.
• Some customers have received incomplete packages or broken parts.

The S&K 12 Room Purple Martin House Package is a great option for those who want to attract martins to their yard. The plastic house is spacious enough to accommodate up to 12 families of martins, and the included decoys help to attract them. The book that comes with the package provides valuable information on how to care for the birds, which is especially helpful for those who are new to martin nesting.

However, some customers have reported issues with the aluminum pole, which is difficult to insert and not very secure. Additionally, the house itself is made of plastic and cardboard, which may not be as durable as other materials. Some customers have also received incomplete packages or broken parts, which can be frustrating.

Overall, the S&K 12 Room Purple Martin House Package is a good option for those who want to attract martins to their yard, but it may not be the most durable or easy-to-assemble option available.

S&k The American Barn 12 Room Purple Martin Bird House

If you’re looking for a purple martin bird house that is easy to assemble and offers plenty of roosting spots, the S&k The American Barn 12 Room Purple Martin Bird House is a great option.

Pros

• Offers 12 separate apartments for birds
• Crescent entries prevent starlings from using the shelter
• Plastic construction snaps together without requiring any tools

Cons

• The cardboard walls are not forgiving
• Not easy to assemble
• A little flimsy

This bird house is made of durable copolymer plastic and features a farmhouse-inspired design that adds a fun look to your yard. The two main floors each have four separate apartments, while four additional apartments in the attic offer even more roosting spots. Every opening is crescent shaped to deter starlings, and the black, plastic floors on the main body offer traction for nestlings. The door panels swing upward for regular nest checks, and the openings on the main body feature rain canopies and landing platforms. This added area offers martins a convenient resting spot, while included perches can be installed on the sides for extra lookout points.

The S&k The American Barn 12 Room Purple Martin Bird House is easy to install using the S&K Galvanized Steel Easy Pulley System Martin House Pole (not included), which can be placed through the premade openings in the center of the home. The pulley system on this pole enables you to raise and lower this home in moments. The item snaps together without requiring any tools, and drainage on each floor helps the nestlings remain dry and safe.

Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-assemble purple martin bird house with plenty of roosting spots, the S&k The American Barn 12 Room Purple Martin Bird House is a great choice.

S & K Mfg. 16 Family Purple Martin Barn

If you’re looking for a high-quality birdhouse for purple martins, you should definitely consider the S & K Mfg. 16 Family Purple Martin Barn. It’s a great option that offers a lot of benefits.

Pros

• Houses up to 16 purple martin families
• Snaps together in minutes with no tools required
• Slightly sloped floors for drainage

Cons

• Some users reported difficulties securing the roof
• Triangle shaped pole may not fit all existing poles
• Not very sturdy in strong winds

This birdhouse is made of UV grade polypropylene copolymer plastic, which is durable and will last for years. It measures 18 x 19 x 20 inches and weighs 8 pounds. One of the best things about this birdhouse is that it’s easy to assemble. It snaps together in minutes with no tools required, so you can have it up and ready to go in no time.

The slightly sloped floors of this birdhouse are great for drainage, which helps keep the birdhouse clean and dry. This is important for the health of the birds and will help keep them coming back year after year.

While some users reported difficulties securing the roof, overall this birdhouse is a great option for anyone looking to attract purple martins to their yard. The triangle shaped pole may not fit all existing poles, so keep that in mind when purchasing. It’s also not very sturdy in strong winds, so be sure to place it in a protected area.

In summary, the S & K Mfg. 16 Family Purple Martin Barn is a great option for anyone looking for a durable and easy-to-assemble birdhouse that can house up to 16 purple martin families.

Heath Outdoor Products M12SR Starling Resistant 12 Room Martin House

If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting Purple Martin birdhouse, then the Heath Outdoor Products M12SR Starling Resistant 12 Room Martin House is worth considering.

Pros

• The 12 rooms provide ample space for Purple Martins to nest and live together in a colony.
• The cedar construction is durable and can withstand the elements, ensuring that the birdhouse lasts for a long time.
• The Starling-resistant openings keep unwanted birds out, ensuring that the Purple Martins have a safe and secure place to call home.

Cons

• Mounting pole is sold separately.
• Some customers have reported needing to reinforce the bottom or add gable vents with screens to improve the birdhouse’s functionality.
• The birdhouse may require some assembly, which could be challenging for some users.

This birdhouse is perfect for those who want to bring nature closer to their home while supporting a good cause. Heath partners with Next Step of West Michigan to provide job skills training and employment to community members in West Michigan.

Overall, the Heath Outdoor Products M12SR Starling Resistant 12 Room Martin House is a great investment for anyone who wants to attract Purple Martins to their backyard and provide them with a safe and comfortable place to live.

BestNest Dual Purple Martin Houses

If you’re looking for an affordable and durable purple martin birdhouse, the BestNest Dual Purple Martin Houses is a great option.

Pros

• The plastic construction is sturdy and weather-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor use.
• The houses can be combined together or used separately, providing versatility depending on your needs.
• The triangular opening accommodates an S&K triangular pole (not included), making it easy to mount.

Cons

• The plastic construction may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials.
• Some customers have reported difficulty assembling the houses.
• The houses do not come with the poles required for mounting.

The BestNest Dual Purple Martin Houses is a great option for those looking for an affordable and durable birdhouse. The plastic construction makes it weather-resistant and easy to clean, while the ability to combine or use the houses separately provides versatility. The triangular opening accommodates an S&K triangular pole, making it easy to mount. However, the plastic construction may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other materials, and some customers have reported difficulty assembling the houses. Additionally, the houses do not come with the poles required for mounting.

BestNest S&K 16 Room Purple Martin House Package

If you’re looking for a spacious and sturdy birdhouse for your purple martins, the BestNest S&K 16 Room Purple Martin House Package is a great option.

Pros

• The kit includes everything you need to create a lovely martin house, including a triangular pole for support and decoys to attract martins.
• The plastic, barn-like design of the house is both functional and attractive.
• The included book offers thorough information on purple martins and how to care for them.

Cons

• Assembly can be tedious due to the size and many attachments of the house.
• Some of the plastic pieces may be warped, making assembly more difficult.
• The interior pieces are made of cheap cardboard.

The BestNest S&K 16 Room Purple Martin House Package is a spacious and sturdy birdhouse that offers everything you need to create a lovely home for your purple martins. The plastic, barn-like design is both functional and attractive, and the included book offers thorough information on purple martins and how to care for them.

Assembly can be tedious due to the size and many attachments of the house, and some of the plastic pieces may be warped, making assembly more difficult. Additionally, the interior pieces are made of cheap cardboard. However, once assembled, the BestNest S&K 16 Room Purple Martin House Package is a great option for anyone looking to provide a spacious and functional home for their purple martins.

Heath Outdoor Products AH-12D 12 Room Aluminum Purple Martin House 12-Room

If you are looking for a durable and lightweight Purple Martin house, the Heath Outdoor Products AH-12D is a great choice.

Pros

• The aluminum construction makes it lightweight and easy to raise and lower
• The hexagonal design provides ample space for Purple Martins to nest
• The porch railings help keep young Purple Martins safe

Cons

• Assembly is required, which may be challenging for some users
• Mounting pole is sold separately, which may add to the overall cost
• The quality of the product is mediocre at best

This Purple Martin house is constructed of durable, rust-free aluminum that is heat-resistant and keeps Purple Martins cool. The hexagonal design and snap-out floors make cleaning easy, while the included door stops allow the home to be closed between seasons. As the colony grows, so can the house; just add-a-unit.

Assembly instructions are included, but they may be difficult to follow for some users. Additionally, the mounting pole is sold separately, which may add to the overall cost of the product. However, the porch railings help keep young Purple Martins safe, which is a great feature.

Overall, the Heath Outdoor Products AH-12D is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight and durable Purple Martin house.

S & K Purple Martin Birdhouse Tri-Tel Mounting Pole, 12 Foot

If you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile mounting pole for your S & K Purple Martin House, then the S & K Purple Martin Birdhouse Tri-Tel Mounting Pole, 12 Foot is an excellent option.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to raise and lower
• Sturdy aircraft aluminum construction
• Can also be used as a flag pole or for hanging lights

Cons

• Has some wobble on windy days
• May require additional makeshift parts to work with other birdhouses
• Relatively expensive for what it is

This mounting pole is made specifically for S & K Purple Martin Houses, but can also be used as a flag pole or for hanging lights. It stands 12 feet tall when fully extended, making it easy to proudly showcase your birdhouse for returning feathered customers. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to raise and lower any time of the year.

One of the best things about this mounting pole is its sturdy aircraft aluminum construction, which ensures that it can withstand the elements and last for years to come. Additionally, its total length of 13 feet and 3.5 inches and three-section design make it easy to assemble and disassemble as needed.

However, one downside to this mounting pole is that it may have some wobble on windy days, which could potentially be a problem for some users. Additionally, it may require additional makeshift parts to work with other birdhouses, which could be an inconvenience.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile mounting pole for your S & K Purple Martin House, then the S & K Purple Martin Birdhouse Tri-Tel Mounting Pole, 12 Foot is definitely worth considering.

BestNest Purple Martin Gourds with Hanging Bracket and Pole Kit

If you’re looking for a reliable and attractive birdhouse for Purple Martins, the BestNest Purple Martin Gourds with Hanging Bracket and Pole Kit is a great option.

Pros

• Designed specifically for Purple Martins
• Includes everything you need for setup
• Light color of gourds keeps nestlings cool

Cons

• Assembly required
• May be expensive for some budgets
• Some customers reported missing hanging brackets

This kit includes six Heath Two-Piece Purple Martin Gourds, each with a 2.125″ long, crescent-shaped opening, designed to mimic the shape of natural gourds. The light color of the gourds helps prevent nestlings from overheating, while a seam on the base allows water to drain and keeps nests dry. The included S&K Hanging Gourd Bracket and Telescoping Aluminum Tri-Pole with Ground Socket make setup easy and secure. Two Heath Deluxe Purple Martin Decoys with Mounts and a Stokes Purple Martin Book are also included to help attract and educate Purple Martins.

Assembly of the kit is required, but the pieces are designed to be easy to put together. While the kit may be expensive for some budgets, the quality materials and design make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about attracting and housing Purple Martins.

In summary, the BestNest Purple Martin Gourds with Hanging Bracket and Pole Kit is a great option for those looking for a reliable and attractive birdhouse for Purple Martins. With everything included for setup and a design specifically tailored to the needs of these birds, it’s a solid choice for any bird lover.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best purple martin bird house, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you are getting a quality product that will attract and house these beautiful birds. Here are some factors to consider:

Material

The material of the bird house is important as it can affect the durability and comfort of the birds. Wooden bird houses are a popular choice as they are natural and provide good insulation. However, they may require more maintenance and can be susceptible to rotting. Plastic bird houses are lightweight and easy to clean, but they may not be as durable as wood. Metal bird houses are long-lasting and weather-resistant, but they may get too hot for the birds in the summer.

Size

The size of the bird house should be appropriate for the number of birds you want to attract. Purple martins are social birds and prefer to live in colonies, so a larger bird house with multiple compartments is ideal. The compartments should be at least 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep to accommodate the birds.

Entrance Hole

The entrance hole of the bird house should be the right size for purple martins, which is around 2 1/8 inches in diameter. This will prevent other birds and predators from entering the bird house and disturbing the martins.

Ventilation and Drainage

Good ventilation and drainage are important for the health of the birds. The bird house should have ventilation holes near the top to allow air to circulate and prevent overheating. It should also have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from accumulating and causing mold or bacteria growth.

Mounting

The bird house should be mounted on a pole or post at least 10-15 feet high to keep it out of reach of predators. It should also be placed in an open area with good visibility and away from trees or other obstacles.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best purple martin bird house that will provide a safe and comfortable home for these beautiful birds.