The Purple Martin Update is the quarterly journal published by the PMCA and distributed to all current members. Each 32-page issue of the Update contains between 10 and 15 articles, in addition to regular features, such as "The Doctor's House Calls" and "Landlord Letters." The selections provided on this web site offer valuable information about managing your Purple Martin colony, but only offer a glimpse into the wealth of information provided in each issue of the Update.

These files are copies of the most common informative handouts we use here at the PMCA. They are meant for downloading and printing. They are large Adobe Acrobat files and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free) to view them. Please be patient as they are large (in order to conserve resolution) and will take some time to download .

Feel free to print out and duplicate this information as much as you would like.

• PMCA's Best Martin Management Tips
• Project Martinwatch Forms
• Project Demolition Letter
• Purple Martins in Western North America
• Gourd-Growing Instructions
• Helpful Hints for Landlords
• Attracting and Managing Purple Martins
• 12 Reasons Why People Lose Their Martins
• Top Ten Reasons Why People Fail to Attract Martins
• Tending to Sick, Injured, or Orphaned Martins
• Making Trio House Doors Starling-Resistant
• Standards for Purple Martin Housing

When first trying to attract martins, it can sometimes be difficult to identify what is actually at your site. We have provided the following links to help dispel some of the confusion.

Birds often confused with martins

Tree Swallow

Barn Swallow

Cliff Swallow

Common Grackle

Chimney Swift

Martin nest-site competitors

European Starling

English House Sparrow

Eastern Bluebird

Other swallow species

Bank Swallow

Rough-winged Swallow

The PMCA has combined images of martins and their behavior to be used for group martin presentations. This slide presentation consists of 75 slides, loaded in a carousel, with an outline and a printed script. You will need your own projector and screen. The cost is $20 which includes first class shipping both ways.

• PMCA Slide Agreement Form
• PMCA Slide Show Outline (will be included with slides)

The PMCA has also created a slide show presentation for use with Microsoft^® PowerPoint^® software on CD-ROM available for purchase. This program will require a computer with Microsoft^® PowerPoint^® software (a free viewer version is available) and a projector/screen (a regular computer monitor is fine for very small groups).

This CD-ROM may be purchased via our online store or by calling us at 814-833-7656. This option does not require an aggrement form.

The Purple Martin Conservation Association offers annual research grants to students, professionals and individuals engaged in Purple Martin research. Projects are supported on a one year basis as determined by the availability of funds. One or more grants will be offered annually, with support ranging from $500.00 to $2000.00, depending on the quality of the proposals received.

Research and Conservation Grants are offered for the purpose of promoting and facilitating research on, and conservation of Purple Martins. However, under certain circumstances, we will consider funding projects on other species of New World swallows, especially if the species is threatened or endangered. We will not fund projects testing martin house design preference (we are conducting such research at our headquarters), nor will we fund the placement of housing for strictly aesthetic or humanitarian purposes. We will, however, consider funding the placement of housing for conservation purposes. PMCA Research and Conservation Grants are provided to defray the expenses incurred in the course of scientific research and conservation. Grants may cover travel, supplies and equipment, but shall not include salaries or overhead charges to institutions or agencies.

• Grant Information
• Grant Application
• Former Grant Recipients

Please visit our internship page to learn more!