The Purple Martin breeds near human settlements where nest houses are provided, especially near water and large open areas, also in saguaro cactus of Arizona and Mexico, and in western montane forests around beaver ponds. In winter they feed in rainforest, clearings, and agricultural areas; they may roost in village plazas.
They nest in birdhouses, a hole in a tree, a hole in a cactus, or crevice in a cliff or building. Nests are made of twigs, plant stems, mud, and grass. The female does most of the nest building, but the male helps collect leaves and may initiate te building. Afterwards he will escort the female while she collects material, or he will sit near the nest and watch. The clutch siz is 1 to 8 eggs, that are white. The incubation period is usually 15 to 18 days. the nesting perion is 27 to 36 days, before they fledge.
Their diet consists of flying insects. They will feed at altitudes of 164 feet (50 m), and know to feed at 492 feet (150 m).
