I have a little pre-fab Purple Martin house that I'm considering installing on my property near Sarteneja. Anyone out there know if there are Purple Martins in Belize? If no Martins...are there other social bird species that would enjoy subsidized communal housing.

Thanks.

I thought those dark purple birds were grackles. Probably all birds would love a ready-made house if it's installed high enough - away from activity and pets.

if you build it, they will come

According to the book “Birds of Belize” we do have Purple Martins here; especially in the Cayes. From the pictures they look beautiful – unlike the nasty Grackles. The Grackles are pretty much all one color and have long beaks whereas the Purple Martin has a white belly and short beak.

Tastes like chicken?

purple martins are a large swallow that feeds on the wing, dipping and diving for insects like a kite.

& NO SIN - THEY DO NOT TASTE LIKE CHICKEN!!!!
BUT GIVE THOSE STARLINGS A TRY!

Starlings, nah, tastes like Jabiru, too gamey.

add a lil marie sharps & you can even eat a royal rat

fit for a queen!