Don't you remember that Mars was the God of War in classic mythology, and haven't you heard soldiers complimented on their fine _martial_ appearance ?" The Purple Martin Length seven and a half inches.
Upper parts shining blue-black, not quite so glossy on the wings and forked tail.
Under parts the same as the upper in the male, but grayish-white in the female and young ones.
Song rich and musical, of two or three flute-like notes.

Nest made of a few leaves or straws, in a bird-box when it is provided--otherwise in a hollow tree.

Eggs white, without any spots.
A good Summer Citizen and a favorite everywhere; but for many reasons it is growing scarcer every year.

The English Sparrow is one of its greatest enemies, and not only drives it from its nesting-boxes, but attacks the young birds.
A member of the guild of Sky Sweepers.
[Illustration: Purple Martin 1.

Male 2.