NPSpecies

Present April - June (Witt 1997).

Native to Maine (Palmer 1949; Palmer notes that the spread of this species eastward in the 1700's has been gradual and easily marked) and North America (Long 1981).

Rare spring migrant; only 1 fall record (Witt 1997).

Park Species Detail: Checklist information (abundance) updated 4/11/03 by professional judgement of Bruce Connery, ACAD wildlife biologist. Long (1987): A colony of Purple Martins was reported at Bar Harbor in 1888; now nearest colonies are in Washington County; pairs are occasionally seen on MDI in spring. Russell (1984?) 2 records on MDI: a pair in Salisbury Cove during June 1964 (fide J. Bond) and a male at Seawall on 10 June 1972 (W. Russell). A hand-written note lists a male at Bass Harbor on 4 April 1974 (Grierson). Bond (1969) In 1888 a small colony was reported at Bar harbor; a pair searching for a nest site was observed at a motel near Salisbury Cove during June 1964. Bond (1949): About 1920 there was said to have been a colony at Northeast Harbor. Bond (19??) former summer resident; a small colony in Bar Harbor in 1888, and a colony at Northeast Harbor about 1918; During the past 10 years has been found nesting on the Mainland at Franklin Road. Tyson and Bond (1941); Numbers visit MDI regularly every spring, but do not remain to breed; Colony at Northeast Harbor about 1918. Sullivan (1937): Uncommon summer resident from May to August; formerly abundant; none known in 1937. Eliot (1931): observed on MDI by Mr. And Mrs. C.R. Robbins on 4 June 1915. Allen (1899): "Formerly bred at Bar Harbor. Francis B. White found a small colony there in 1888., Park Species Data Source: Witt (1997); Russell (1984?) Legacy NPSpecies information may no longer be applicable, please remove if it is not applicable. In legacy NPSpecies Residency was Unknown with comment: Historically nested on MDI (Long 1987). Adamus (1983) breeds across central and southern Maine, sporadically elsewhere in Maine.