Where can I see Purple Martins in Nashville?

Purple Martins are the largest species of swallow in North America and a fan favorite among bird enthusiasts in Nashville. These aerial acrobats put on quite a show, making them a delight to observe. Luckily, there are several places in and around Nashville to catch these migratory birds during spring and summer.

What are Purple Martins?

Purple Martins (Progne subis) are large, vividly-colored swallows that migrate across North America each year. Adults have dark blue-purple feathers that appear black from a distance. Their throats are pale blue and they have light gray underbellies.

These birds are known for their speed and agility in flight. They feed entirely on flying insects like flies, bees, wasps, and butterflies. Purple Martins are colonial nesters, meaning they nest in colonies that can contain several dozen pairs of birds.

Purple Martins winter in South America and fly as far north as Canada to breed during summer months. They start arriving in Tennessee in February and stay through October before migrating back south.

Where to See Purple Martins in Nashville

Here are some of the top places in Nashville to observe Purple Martins each spring and summer:

Two Rivers Park

Two Rivers Park is located south of downtown Nashville along the Cumberland River. This 132-acre nature park contains extensive wetlands, fields, forests, and shorelines.

The park has over 100 Purple Martin houses set up along the water. Some contain single compartments while others have multiple, condo-style units. These manmade nesting cavities attract thousands of Purple Martins each summer.

The best time to see Purple Martins at Two Rivers Park is in the early morning or early evening when the birds are most active going to and from their houses.

Bells Bend Park

Bells Bend Park sits along a large bend of the Cumberland River northwest of Nashville in Davidson County. It encompasses over 1,500 acres of rural farmland and forests.

The park has several Purple Martin bird houses set up near Old Hickory Lake. A colony of about 24 pairs nests in these compartmentalized houses each summer. Mid-morning is an optimal time to see the martins flying low over the water to catch insects.

Shelby Park

Shelby Park is a large public park located just east of downtown Nashville. It contains over 200 acres of open green space, lakes, walking trails, fields, and forests.

There are around 18 Purple Martin houses installed near the lake in Shelby Park. Some contain multiple compartments while others are single-unit. Over 100 pairs nest here annually.

Spring through fall are the best times to observe Purple Martins swooping over the lakeside at Shelby Park.

Radnor Lake State Park

Radnor Lake State Park protects over 1,200 acres of forest and wetlands. There are two Purple Martin houses located near the visitor center parking lot.

These large houses contain 32 compartments each and attract up to 60 nesting pairs every summer. Martins can easily be spotted flying back and forth from the colony to forage.

Percy Warner Park

Percy Warner Park encompasses over 2,700 acres of forests, fields, and scenic hillsides in west Nashville. There are several Purple Martin houses set up around the equestrian area.

These multi-compartment houses attract a sizeable martin colony every summer. Some of the best times to observe them are early morning and late afternoon.

When to See Purple Martins in Nashville

The best time to see Purple Martins in Nashville is during their spring and summer nesting season which runs approximately from March through August each year.

Here is an overview of when to spot Purple Martins in Nashville by month:

As this timeline shows, the peak viewing months are April through July when the martins are most active nesting and feeding young.

Ideal viewing times are early in the morning and later afternoon/evening when the birds are departing the roost or returning to roost for the night.

Purple Martin Viewing Tips

Here are some useful tips to improve your Purple Martin viewing experience:

• Bring binoculars to get better views of perched birds.
• Listen for their unique gurgling calls and wing beats.
• Look high overhead – martins fly up to 300-500 ft high when foraging.
• Pay attention to flight patterns near houses.
• Sit quietly and be patient for good sightings.
• Avoid getting too close to nests/houses.
• Early morning and late afternoon offer the best activity.
• Watch for aerial chasing displays between males.
• Enjoy their graceful flight and aerial acrobatics!

Fun Facts About Purple Martins

Here are a few interesting facts about Purple Martins:

• Purple Martins are the largest species of swallow in North America.
• They can reach speeds up to 40 mph in flight.
• Purple Martins are completely dependent on humans for nest sites east of the Rocky Mountains.
• They eat thousands of flying insects daily including mosquitoes.
• Males arrive first in spring to establish nesting sites.
• Females lay 2-6 eggs that hatch after 15-18 days.
• Parent martins feed nestlings up to 400 times per day!
• Predators include hawks, owls, snakes, squirrels and raccoons.
• Purple Martins migrate to Brazil for the winter.
• They have been declining in number in recent decades.

Conclusion

For an entertaining wildlife spectacle each spring and summer, be sure to check out Purple Martins in Nashville. These aerial acrobats put on quite a show with their speedy flights, daring dives, and social squabbles.

Popular spots to see them include Two Rivers Park, Bells Bend Park, Shelby Park, Radnor Lake, and Percy Warner Park. Late March through August are the best months to observe them nesting and feeding young.

Bring binoculars, watch the skies overhead, and listen for their unique sounds. With a little patience, you’ll be delighted and amazed by the Purple Martins’ graceful flight and lively antics!