The Purple Martin (Progne subis), from the Passeriformes order, is the largest swallow in North America. Despite their name, purple martins are not truly purple. Their dark blackish-blue feathers have an iridescent sheen caused by the refraction of incident light giving them a bright blue to navy blue or deep purple apperance. In some light they may even appear green in color. They are migratory, their breeding range ranges from central Alberta down through the eastern United States. They take a brief stop in the Yucatán Peninsula and Cuba before reaching their overwintering site in South America. They are known for their speed, agility and their mix of rapid flapping and gliding flight pattern.
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