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The purple martin (Progne subis), is the largest (14.4-14.9 cm) and most urbanized of Canadian swallows, and is the northernmost representative of an otherwise tropical New World genus.
Martins extend into New Brunswick, southern Ontario, adjacent Québec, the southern prairies (Northwest to Peace River), and into southwestern BC. They are migratory and formerly nested in tree cavities, but now nest largely in box colonies around human settlements.
Males are dark, glossy purplish black with blackish wings and tail; females and young are dark blue and grey.
Martins feed on flying insects and generally forage higher than other swallows.
