Martin, a North American and European bird of the swallow family. There are six species. The purple martin, largest of the swallows, is common in the United States and southern Canada. The other species of martins are found in Central America and Africa. The purple martin is about eight inches (20 cm) long, with a 16-inch (40-cm) wingspread. Its tail is moderately forked. The deep-purple plumage of the male appears almost black. The female is grayish above, with whitish underparts. Martins feed almost entirely on insects. They nest in colonies, and are attracted to large, divided birdhouses. The four or five eggs are white. Purple martins winter from Florida to South America.
The purple martin is Progne subis of the family Hirundinidae.