Swallows, or Martins, are a small type of migratory bird found all over Canada and the United States. These birds often breed and nest in the Northern Hemisphere, which includes provinces like Québec.

As part of a conservation initiatives, in 2017, the City of Pointe-Claire started setting up a large nest box in Edgewater Park to provide an ideal nesting site for this species in decline.

The Purple Martin and its conservation

The purple martin population is in serious decline, having dropped by almost 94% between 1970 and 2015. Therefore, the arrival of the first few birds of that species in the Pointe-Claire nest box in 2019 was greeted with great enthusiasm.

Each year since then, we have seen an increase in the purple martin colony roosting in the large nest box. In 2019, five pairs of purple martins hatched 17 chicks; in 2020, eight pair hatched 29 chicks; and in 2021, 12 pairs hatched 47 chicks. These are very impressive numbers and a remarkable development for this colony that chose Pointe-Claire as its nesting site!

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Identification and population

The purple martin is the largest swallow in North America. The adult measures approximately 20 centimetres from head to tail and weighs close to 55 grams. It can be identified by its shimmering bluish-black plumage. The males have a dark chest, and the females have a pale chest.

If you visit their nest site, there is an interpretation panel located close to the nest box in Edgewater Park where you can learn more about this species and the important role it plays in biodiversity.

Purple martin migration cycle

In early April, the pairs return from South America. In May and June, purple martins are busy building their nests with twigs, algae and mud. Both the male and female sit on the eggs for a period of 15 to 16 days before they hatch. The chicks remain in the nest for 28 days before their first flight. At the end of August or beginning of September, the colony migrates back to the South for the winter.

The City has set up multiple nest boxes on the shores of Lake Saint-Louis. With their multiple compartments, these nest boxes are ideal for purple martins as these birds prefer to live in groups. The nest box in Edgewater Park can accommodate up to 45 pairs of purple martins. These birds depend entirely on this type of artificial nest box that allows them to nest close to each other. Since these birds prefer exposed land close to bodies of water, the shores of Lake Saint-Louis are ideal for setting up nest boxes and studying the species and their behaviour.

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Swallows

The Purple Martin and its conservation

Identification and population

Purple martin migration cycle

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Swallows

The Purple Martin and its conservation

Identification and population

Purple martin migration cycle

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