Beacon anthrozoologist Dr. Brian Ogle noted the birds nest in North America, but winter in South America.
Purple martins are of interest to the anthrozoology program because of their unique relationship with humans, Ogle said. These birds nested in empty gourds hung up by Native Americans and now will nest exclusively in birdhouses near humans — with a preference for gourd-shaped dwellings. The Beacon colony was installed at Beacon Commons due to the proximity of people, natural areas, and available food sources.