A Purple Martin’s Worst Aerial Nightmare…But Great Ally, Too
They are truly the tyrants of the open sky. Fast, agile, and fearless, these little feathered dynamos delight in doing battle with purple martins. They are always spoiling for a fight and they never tire of the chase. A purple martin’s worst aerial nightmare, but great ally, too.
What is this fearless warrior of the open sky that eagerly combats and torments purple martins, and yet can save their lives? It is one of my favorite birds, a tyrant that defiantly rules his territory with a snapping beak, ear piercing screams and unparalleled bravery. This tyrant possesses short rounded wings, broad tail, hair-trigger reflexes, and an insatiable drive to fight--a formidable adversary. He can accelerate like a feathered cheetah, twist and turn with unequaled agility, attain high speeds for short distances, and bravely take on much larger crows and hawks. This eight inch feathered demon is very much like a miniature sharp-shinned hawk in flying ability. Guess what it is? It is the Eastern kingbird, a tyrant flycatcher--a name that fits very well.
Kingbirds that are nesting near a martin colony will often torment the martins; martins just seem to bring out the kingbird’s feisty spirit. Martins are no threat to kingbirds; they just seem to trigger a kingbird’s instinctive drive to be a tyrant. I have often watched kingbirds and martins battle in ferocious dogfights above and around my colony sites. The kingbirds are nearly always the instigators and find a slow flying martin an irresistible target for pursuit. At first the martins are not aware of what the kingbird is up to and will let him get real close. However, after a few beatings by the kingbird, martins learn quickly to flee and try to distance the kingbird before he gets within striking distance. Easier said than done!
Purple martins are no match in open combat with kingbirds. The kingbird’s short, rounded wings are far superior to the martin’s longer, pointed wings in rapid acceleration though a martin when fully accelerated can out fly a kingbird. Kingbirds are more maneuverable, too. The kingbird darts from its perch and singles out a purple martin that is flying slowly nearby. The kingbird must get close. If the martin continues to fly, the kingbird will launch a ferocious attack on the martin’s back. With the kingbird emitting a high pitch, almost demonic scream, the martin tries to flee. The kingbird rides the martin’s back or latches onto the martin’s tail as both birds descend rapidly toward the ground. You may hear the kingbird’s bill snapping loudly. The martin screams the danger call as the kingbird continues its wild screeching and both birds will sometimes be flying only a few feet off the ground. The kingbird will be latched onto the martin’s back or tail. The attack lasts a few seconds and the martin finally escapes. The martin in flight will often shake himself after the attack, as if trying to smooth out his feathers.
Other times a martin will face the kingbird in the air. The martin tries to maintain a defensive frontal posture while the kingbird hovers in an arched profile above the martin that is losing altitude. The martin is literally standing on its tail with its head and beak facing upwards. The martin beats its long wings rapidly but can’t hover for long and begins to drop lower and lower; long wings are just not that suitable for such aerial maneuvers. The kingbird is relentless, hovers like a hummingbird, and stays right above the martin, not more than a few inches away. Then the martin finally turns and dives to escape. The kingbird quickly out accelerates the martin and rides the martin’s back. The kingbird emits its high pitch shrieking while the martin screams the danger cry. Sometimes the martin will be only a few feet off the ground and trying to fly while the kingbird is glued to the martin’s back or tail. Again, the attack only lasts for a few seconds and the martin finally escapes.
Kingbirds will also often attack recently fledged baby martins that are flying around the colony and will sometimes drive these youngsters to the ground or into trees or thickets. These martin fledglings have no chance of out flying kingbirds. However, the kingbirds rarely hurt the martin fledglings; just seem to enjoy the sport of chasing and harassing the youngsters.
Though a kingbird can be a martin’s worst aerial nightmare, he can also be a valuable ally, even a lifesaver. Kingbirds probably do more good than harm to a martin colony. They are extraordinarily vigilant around their nest site/territory and are often one of the first sentinels to see approaching danger like a crow or hawk. The male kingbird lets out his blood-curdling scream and immediately flies out to welcome the intruder. While approaching the enemy, he screams wildly and executes a bizarre aerial dance--kind of a distorted, almost demonic version of the twist. He seems to be possessed while his body writhes back and forth as if suffering the torments of the damned. His flight is tortured and you can almost visualize his eyes rolled back in their sockets, his beak pulled tautly in opposite directions, as blood-curdling shrieks pour out. His exorcism will be total war against the enemy. This wild, erratic behavior and screaming triggers massive flight responses from all martins in the colony and they fly rapidly to gain the safety of the open sky. They know danger is nearby.
Often both kingbirds and martins will join forces and launch a full assault on any approaching crow or hawk. The kingbird, with his screaming at full volume, will actually strike the much larger bird and may ride its back, sometimes even pulling out a crow’s feathers. The high pitch, screeching of the kingbird is very effective in putting a crow or hawk to route. The martins do not strike, but attempt to confuse the crow or hawk by mobbing it with fast power dives. The martins emit an “aaack” call as they come within a few feet or even a few inches from the back of the crow or hawk.
Example Of Cooperative Mobbing By Kingbirds And Martins
It was mid-May and many of the martins in my large colony were feeding young. A pair of kingbirds was nesting in a tall isolated pine tree about 200 yards from my martin colony. They had their nest at the end of a pine limb.
My colony had been under siege from several Cooper’s hawks since February. A pair of resident hawks was making frequent attacks as the martins fed their young. The smaller male hawk had developed an effective strategy of coming in at about 200 feet up and then diving down on the colony. His speed was awesome and he could surprise adult martins that were flying to or from the colony.
I was watching the colony when suddenly the loud, demonic screams of one of the kingbirds filled the air. I looked up and saw a kingbird performing his wild gyrating aerial dance. He was flying directly south and was approaching a fast flying male Cooper’s hawk.
The martins bolted from their nest sites and a large flock had assembled north of the approaching Cooper’s hawk. Loud martin alarm cries, along with the kingbird’s screams, echoed through the sky. The battle lines were drawn and both the kingbird and martins had become reluctant allies against a common enemy.
The kingbird was now above the Cooper’s hawk, which had lost his element of surprise. The martin flock was also above the hawk and martin after martin launched their power dive attacks and the Cooper’s hawk flinched at the martins’ swift passes. The kingbird’s screams became more intense as he bravely rode the Cooper’s hawk’s back. The hawk was now really irritated and trying to get away from the hordes of martins and one little demonic kingbird!
The Cooper’s hawk accelerated and dove away from the colony site. That only emboldened the kingbird and his screams filled the air as he rode the hawk’s back! Martins joined in the assault and mobbed the hawk as he streaked downward to the protective canopy of the forest. The martins broke off their attack as the hawk disappeared in a grove of pine trees while I could still hear the kingbird’s loud screeching. Within a few seconds the victorious kingbird emerged from the trees and landed at the top of a pine tree. He was still vigilant and was ready to do battle again if the hawk returned.
So the kingbird is both a foe and friend to the purple martin. They become uneasy allies in the defense of their airspace against their common enemies. Though the kingbird will torment martins, the kingbird should be considered a welcomed neighbor. This feisty tyrant flycatcher will warn martins of approaching danger from Accipiter hawks and crows and readily attack these birds.
Steve Kroenke
A Purple Martin's Worst Aerial Nightmare, But Great Ally
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Steve Kroenke
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Last edited by Steve Kroenke on Thu Feb 28, 2008 10:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Guest
Steve,
Great info. I really love the eastern kingbird. We have a nest next door. But they are often in our trees and yard. I love to watch their flying show. They get in the most unusual contortions. I have not yet noticed any problems with the martins. But there are only 7 here. 2 females and then 3 ASYs and 2 subbie males. 7 babies in 2 nests. I wonder if there will be more conflicts as the babies fledge. One thing I can say about the subbies. They are ferocious defenders of the houses I have. It is marvelous. Luckily the ASYs have kept them away from their nests, but the subbies keep everything else (S&S, etc) away from the house. I wonder if they will engage with the kingbirds too.
Thanks again, Sue
Great info. I really love the eastern kingbird. We have a nest next door. But they are often in our trees and yard. I love to watch their flying show. They get in the most unusual contortions. I have not yet noticed any problems with the martins. But there are only 7 here. 2 females and then 3 ASYs and 2 subbie males. 7 babies in 2 nests. I wonder if there will be more conflicts as the babies fledge. One thing I can say about the subbies. They are ferocious defenders of the houses I have. It is marvelous. Luckily the ASYs have kept them away from their nests, but the subbies keep everything else (S&S, etc) away from the house. I wonder if they will engage with the kingbirds too.
Thanks again, Sue
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Steve Kroenke
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Hey Sue,
Those kingbirds nesting nearby may engage in some aerial dogfighting with the martins. I have seen some of that at my current colony in Louisiana. But they don't hurt the martins, just seem to enjoy a good dogfight at times!
We also have the beautiful scissor-tailed flycatchers which are tyrannt flycatchers just like the kingbirds. These flycatchers don't dogfight with the martins at all, but they are fierce defenders of their nests from hawks and crows. The scissor-tailed flycatchers will emit loud warning cries and perform a wild climbing gyrating aerial display the moment the deadly Cooper's hawks appear to hunt the martin fledglings. These flycatchers will also pursue these hawks and mob them just like kingbirds.
Sounds like your martin colony is doing well. Continued great success.
Steve
Those kingbirds nesting nearby may engage in some aerial dogfighting with the martins. I have seen some of that at my current colony in Louisiana. But they don't hurt the martins, just seem to enjoy a good dogfight at times!
We also have the beautiful scissor-tailed flycatchers which are tyrannt flycatchers just like the kingbirds. These flycatchers don't dogfight with the martins at all, but they are fierce defenders of their nests from hawks and crows. The scissor-tailed flycatchers will emit loud warning cries and perform a wild climbing gyrating aerial display the moment the deadly Cooper's hawks appear to hunt the martin fledglings. These flycatchers will also pursue these hawks and mob them just like kingbirds.
Sounds like your martin colony is doing well. Continued great success.
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
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Here is a previous posting of mine about the relationship between the mighty kingbird and the purple martin. I like kingbirds a lot and they are friends of the martins for the most part. Now, kingbirds will have aerial battles with them, but kingbirds do more good than harm.
Steve
Steve
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geneinmurphy
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Steve...changing the subject briefly.....did you ever make it over to Natchitoches to try the cajun meat pies at Lasoyne's???? Man, they are good.....wish I had some in my freezer to cook!!!
A great and informative post.
Although even for a kingbird I imagine the prospect of tangling with a Cooper's or Sharpie is not something to take lightly. I'm recalling a barn cat that grew quite adept at catching the barn swallows which mobbed it, and also an account of a red-shouldered hawk being mobbed by crows almost as large as itself. As one crow swept in the hawk executed a snap-roll and buried a talon into the breast of the crow, with fatal effect.
Cooper's have a long reach, I'll bet once in a while at least the kingbird loses.
Mike Scully
Although even for a kingbird I imagine the prospect of tangling with a Cooper's or Sharpie is not something to take lightly. I'm recalling a barn cat that grew quite adept at catching the barn swallows which mobbed it, and also an account of a red-shouldered hawk being mobbed by crows almost as large as itself. As one crow swept in the hawk executed a snap-roll and buried a talon into the breast of the crow, with fatal effect.
Cooper's have a long reach, I'll bet once in a while at least the kingbird loses.
Mike Scully
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Steve Kroenke
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Hey Gene,
YES! I did make it to Natchitoches and devoured a meat pie at Laysones! It was the Food of the Gods! I want to go back.
Steve
Mike,
I have never seen a kingbird take on the smaller sharpie, but I am sure they do when the kingsbirds have young. The Cooper's are usually attacked when the kingbirds have a nearby nest. In 2005, I watched a kingbird latch on the back of a female Cooper's hawk that, unfortunately, caught a martin fledgling in the top of sweet gum tree. The kingbirds had a nest in the same tree! The kingbird stayed on the Cooper's hawk back all the way to the ground where the hawk killed the fledgling. The kingbird let out a blood curdling scream as he/she rode the hawk's back to the ground.
I am sure on occasion a kingbird makes a mistake with Cooper's or sharpie! The kingbird plays a dangerous game with these Accipiters when the kingbird actually strikes the hawks in the back and tries to "hold on"! And yes, the Cooper's has long legs and can use them to pluck birds out of the air as I have seen so many times.
I have seen Cooper's and sharpies try to grab martins that were making swift passes at their backs. None was successful and the martins always managed to pull up quickly and avoid the talons. The martins were just going too fast I believe.
Kingbirds are more active with crows and I never tire of watching these feisty flycatchers fly way out in the middle of cow pasture to intercept an unfortunate crow! The crow has no chance of out flying or out turning the kingbird which gives no quarter and torments the crow.
Steve
YES! I did make it to Natchitoches and devoured a meat pie at Laysones! It was the Food of the Gods! I want to go back.
Steve
Mike,
I have never seen a kingbird take on the smaller sharpie, but I am sure they do when the kingsbirds have young. The Cooper's are usually attacked when the kingbirds have a nearby nest. In 2005, I watched a kingbird latch on the back of a female Cooper's hawk that, unfortunately, caught a martin fledgling in the top of sweet gum tree. The kingbirds had a nest in the same tree! The kingbird stayed on the Cooper's hawk back all the way to the ground where the hawk killed the fledgling. The kingbird let out a blood curdling scream as he/she rode the hawk's back to the ground.
I am sure on occasion a kingbird makes a mistake with Cooper's or sharpie! The kingbird plays a dangerous game with these Accipiters when the kingbird actually strikes the hawks in the back and tries to "hold on"! And yes, the Cooper's has long legs and can use them to pluck birds out of the air as I have seen so many times.
I have seen Cooper's and sharpies try to grab martins that were making swift passes at their backs. None was successful and the martins always managed to pull up quickly and avoid the talons. The martins were just going too fast I believe.
Kingbirds are more active with crows and I never tire of watching these feisty flycatchers fly way out in the middle of cow pasture to intercept an unfortunate crow! The crow has no chance of out flying or out turning the kingbird which gives no quarter and torments the crow.
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
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Hey John,
Kingbirds nest almost exclusively in trees, usually at the end of a long limb. I have seen them nest in pines, oaks, and sweet gums. In Florida, I primarily see them nesting at the ends of pine or oak limbs. They usually nest high up, but not always and sometimes they will select a limb low down. In Bob?s yard, he has a pear tree in the back. One year he said a pair of kingbirds nested at the end of a pear tree limb and the nest was not more than 6 feet off the ground! I have seen one case of a kingbird nesting on the crossbar of a night light that was attached to a large utility pole. If their first nest is destroyed or unsuccessful, they will nest late in the summer and I have seen them with nest bound young in July and August.
They eat flying insects, including dragonflies, while on their breeding grounds. I believe they will eat berries while wintering in Central and South America. When migrating south, kingbirds will gather in small flocks.
Kingbirds are territorial and vigorously defend it against other kingbirds. Battle royals will ensue when an intruding kingbird appears. Incredible circuitous chases will occur as the resident kingbirds pursue the intruder and chase it away.
In the Tallahassee area where I previously lived, the first male kingbirds usually arrived toward the end of March and the females come a little later. I would suspect your first kingbirds would arrive around the same time.
Kingbirds have a colloquial name, ?the bee martin? because kingbirds will eat honey bees! Bee keepers usually don?t like to have a kingbird around their hives! Occasionally, purple martins have been ?accused? of eating honey bees when the kingbird may have been the culprit.
Hope your kingbirds return and are successful.
Steve
Kingbirds nest almost exclusively in trees, usually at the end of a long limb. I have seen them nest in pines, oaks, and sweet gums. In Florida, I primarily see them nesting at the ends of pine or oak limbs. They usually nest high up, but not always and sometimes they will select a limb low down. In Bob?s yard, he has a pear tree in the back. One year he said a pair of kingbirds nested at the end of a pear tree limb and the nest was not more than 6 feet off the ground! I have seen one case of a kingbird nesting on the crossbar of a night light that was attached to a large utility pole. If their first nest is destroyed or unsuccessful, they will nest late in the summer and I have seen them with nest bound young in July and August.
They eat flying insects, including dragonflies, while on their breeding grounds. I believe they will eat berries while wintering in Central and South America. When migrating south, kingbirds will gather in small flocks.
Kingbirds are territorial and vigorously defend it against other kingbirds. Battle royals will ensue when an intruding kingbird appears. Incredible circuitous chases will occur as the resident kingbirds pursue the intruder and chase it away.
In the Tallahassee area where I previously lived, the first male kingbirds usually arrived toward the end of March and the females come a little later. I would suspect your first kingbirds would arrive around the same time.
Kingbirds have a colloquial name, ?the bee martin? because kingbirds will eat honey bees! Bee keepers usually don?t like to have a kingbird around their hives! Occasionally, purple martins have been ?accused? of eating honey bees when the kingbird may have been the culprit.
Hope your kingbirds return and are successful.
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
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I am re-activating a previous posting dealing with kingbirds and martins. Many kingbirds have been migrating through our area and they form small flocks. Even during migration, kingbirds are still somewhat aggressive and will pursue one another! Kingbirds migrate to Central and South America and will cross the Gulf of Mexico.
Steve
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
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In late March and early April the feisty Eastern kingbirds will be arriving in our area of northwest Louisiana and I welcome their return. These little feathered fireballs are great to have around a martin colony relative to predator warnings. But they also create certain issues for the martins.
The kingbird's cousin the scissor-tailed flycatcher doesn't bother the martins but is also a fantastic sentinel relative hawks and falcons. The scissor-tail will readily mob the deadly Cooper's hawks as they predate martin fledglings in our colonies.
I am re-activating this older posting of mine dealing with behavioral interactions between kingbirds and martins. I am sure other folks have seen similar things.
Steve
The kingbird's cousin the scissor-tailed flycatcher doesn't bother the martins but is also a fantastic sentinel relative hawks and falcons. The scissor-tail will readily mob the deadly Cooper's hawks as they predate martin fledglings in our colonies.
I am re-activating this older posting of mine dealing with behavioral interactions between kingbirds and martins. I am sure other folks have seen similar things.
Steve
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Guest
Hey Guys,
I'm not sure I've ever saw a kingbird. Are they called by any other name? Do we have them in Okla.? How about a photo if anyone has one.
Impatiently waiting in Checotah,
I'm not sure I've ever saw a kingbird. Are they called by any other name? Do we have them in Okla.? How about a photo if anyone has one.
Impatiently waiting in Checotah,
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Guest
Hey Guys,
Went online for info. on kingbird. Are kingbirds the same thing as a Scissor- tailed Fly catcher? (our state bird)
Thanks again,
Went online for info. on kingbird. Are kingbirds the same thing as a Scissor- tailed Fly catcher? (our state bird)
Thanks again,
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Steve Kroenke
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Harley,
The Eastern Kingbird and scissor-tailed flycatcher are members of the same family of tyrant flycatchers, but they are different species and look differently. Kingbirds do reside in Oklahoma. Here is a link to some information on the Eastern kingbird and a photograph. You have probably seen them.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBi ... gbird.html
Steve
The Eastern Kingbird and scissor-tailed flycatcher are members of the same family of tyrant flycatchers, but they are different species and look differently. Kingbirds do reside in Oklahoma. Here is a link to some information on the Eastern kingbird and a photograph. You have probably seen them.
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBi ... gbird.html
Steve
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Guest
Steve,
Thanks for the info. and the website. I plan to spend some time on it. I'm not sure if I have seen this bird or not. I will watch for him in the future.
Thanks again,
Thanks for the info. and the website. I plan to spend some time on it. I'm not sure if I have seen this bird or not. I will watch for him in the future.
Thanks again,
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Guest
I heard a kingbird flying over the creek this morning, and was delighted. We had one living here last year. They are great birds to watch. Thanks for all the info.
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Steve Kroenke
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Hey Lilyrose,
That's great you heard a kingbird! I usually see one in my area later in March, but maybe this year they will be here sooner.
I did see a barn swallow on March 1 and that is the EARLIEST I have ever seen one in this area. Even when I lived in north Florida, I would usually see a barn swallow toward the middle of March.
I will be glad when the Eastern kingbirds and scissor-tailed flycatchers arrive to help me in seeing those Accipiter hawks and merlins before they manage to sneak in to our martin colonies!
Steve
That's great you heard a kingbird! I usually see one in my area later in March, but maybe this year they will be here sooner.
I did see a barn swallow on March 1 and that is the EARLIEST I have ever seen one in this area. Even when I lived in north Florida, I would usually see a barn swallow toward the middle of March.
I will be glad when the Eastern kingbirds and scissor-tailed flycatchers arrive to help me in seeing those Accipiter hawks and merlins before they manage to sneak in to our martin colonies!
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
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This year we have a pair of Eastern kingbirds in Bob's yard and I believe they will be nesting here. I like kingbirds a lot even though they thoroughly enjoy chasing and tormenting purple martins! Today I watched the kingbirds chase martins around Bob's colony.
I am re-posting this older article dealing with interactions between martins and kingbirds. Though kingbirds will attack and chase martins, these battles don't harm the martins for the most part. Now, when kingbirds pursue martin fledglings, then the fledglings will sometimes be forced down into trees or even the ground. That is the only time kingbirds can sometimes cause issues for martins.
However, kingbirds are wonderful sentinels and will warn martins of approaching danger from Accipiter hawks. Kingbirds HATE Cooper's hawks because these hawks will raid the kingbirds' nest if given a chance. Kingbirds will mob Cooper's hawks and give alarms calls the moment the hawk is spotted.
I am sure other folks have observed interactions between martins and kingbirds and kingbirds and hawks.
Steve
I am re-posting this older article dealing with interactions between martins and kingbirds. Though kingbirds will attack and chase martins, these battles don't harm the martins for the most part. Now, when kingbirds pursue martin fledglings, then the fledglings will sometimes be forced down into trees or even the ground. That is the only time kingbirds can sometimes cause issues for martins.
However, kingbirds are wonderful sentinels and will warn martins of approaching danger from Accipiter hawks. Kingbirds HATE Cooper's hawks because these hawks will raid the kingbirds' nest if given a chance. Kingbirds will mob Cooper's hawks and give alarms calls the moment the hawk is spotted.
I am sure other folks have observed interactions between martins and kingbirds and kingbirds and hawks.
Steve
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Guest
This year, I have only seen one passing through, and not the usual resident we seem to have.
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Guest
Great informative post as usual Steve. Thanks, I always learn something. Have not see the kingbird here on the lake. The pms do fine giving the crows a very bad time here. Out to finish nest check,-lots off eggs and variety of different age chicks. Will report totals later
Another topic for you if you would. I have my houses out over water. The pms love it. NO starlings or sparrows go out there. Before I placed out over water, I asked and visited sites over water. I was assured the fledgings "make it" over water just fine. Some of the chicks look @15 days, so I'm getting a little attentive, noting who is where, to be there just in case they go into the drink. Your thoughts?
Another topic for you if you would. I have my houses out over water. The pms love it. NO starlings or sparrows go out there. Before I placed out over water, I asked and visited sites over water. I was assured the fledgings "make it" over water just fine. Some of the chicks look @15 days, so I'm getting a little attentive, noting who is where, to be there just in case they go into the drink. Your thoughts?
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Steve Kroenke
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Hey Lilyrose,
Unfortunately, it appears that Eastern kingbirds are declining in numbers like so many other neo-tropical migrants. I am seeing fewer numbers return each year and the pair in Bob's yard came later than usual. In the past, kingbirds were abundant.
Steve
Hey Roykite,
Martin colonies located near water or over water are usually very well occupied and do great. Martins LOVE to nest near water where there are usually plenty of dragonflies to feed their young and ready access to water for drinking and bathing.
Martin fledglings fly pretty good on their maiden flight provided they are healthy and do not prematurely fledge. The parent martins will escort their young to a nearby tree, utility line, old TV antenna, or similar structure. So under most conditions martin fledglings would fly over a body of water and reach a perching area.
However, martin fledglings that leave the nest too early or are weak from hunger, may not be able to fly that far and if they were to fly far out over a large body of water then it is possible they could eventually fall into the water. Martin fledglings can actually swim using their wings as paddles and they may be able to make to shore. But they would be wet and unable to fly and could become easy prey for predators.
Also, both ASY and SY male martins will harass martin fledglings the moment they leave the nest and sometimes these males will force a youngster to the ground or into thickets. So they could possibly knock a fledgling into the water.
I have a friend who lives near Leesville, Louisiana on a lake and he said that sometimes his martin fledglings will end up in the water and alligators will readily catch and eat the youngsters. So aquatic predators like alligators, water snakes, and possibly even big largemouth bass could catch a martin fledgling that was floating or swimming in a lake.
Overall, your martin colony located over water should do great as these are usually outstanding locations for colonies. There may be occasional misshaps with a few youngsters ending up in the water, but most martin fledglings will most likely be escorted by the parents to safe perching areas on land. Good luck.
Steve
Unfortunately, it appears that Eastern kingbirds are declining in numbers like so many other neo-tropical migrants. I am seeing fewer numbers return each year and the pair in Bob's yard came later than usual. In the past, kingbirds were abundant.
Steve
Hey Roykite,
Martin colonies located near water or over water are usually very well occupied and do great. Martins LOVE to nest near water where there are usually plenty of dragonflies to feed their young and ready access to water for drinking and bathing.
Martin fledglings fly pretty good on their maiden flight provided they are healthy and do not prematurely fledge. The parent martins will escort their young to a nearby tree, utility line, old TV antenna, or similar structure. So under most conditions martin fledglings would fly over a body of water and reach a perching area.
However, martin fledglings that leave the nest too early or are weak from hunger, may not be able to fly that far and if they were to fly far out over a large body of water then it is possible they could eventually fall into the water. Martin fledglings can actually swim using their wings as paddles and they may be able to make to shore. But they would be wet and unable to fly and could become easy prey for predators.
Also, both ASY and SY male martins will harass martin fledglings the moment they leave the nest and sometimes these males will force a youngster to the ground or into thickets. So they could possibly knock a fledgling into the water.
I have a friend who lives near Leesville, Louisiana on a lake and he said that sometimes his martin fledglings will end up in the water and alligators will readily catch and eat the youngsters. So aquatic predators like alligators, water snakes, and possibly even big largemouth bass could catch a martin fledgling that was floating or swimming in a lake.
Overall, your martin colony located over water should do great as these are usually outstanding locations for colonies. There may be occasional misshaps with a few youngsters ending up in the water, but most martin fledglings will most likely be escorted by the parents to safe perching areas on land. Good luck.
Steve