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Platte River Status: A common migrant and fairly common nesting species, especially in the eastern third of the study area; highly local in the west. Tout (1947) reported purple martin in Lincoln County during 3 April to 18 August. Rosche (1979) found this species in the lower North Platte River Valley during 6 May to 4 August.

Breeding Range: Apparently restricted during the nesting season almost exclusively to the Platte River Valley and Eastern Plain; one breeding season location in the Sandhills.

Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 5,100 nesting pairs. Purple martin made up about 0.2% of the total breeding bird numbers in the study area those years.

Habitat: We found a mean nesting density of 1.5 pairs per km² in residential areas where this species is almost entirely dependent on artificial houses for nest sites. Stewart (1975) stated that in North Dakota this species has been known to nest in the crevices of eaves on buildings, and on observation towers.

Effect of Habitat Alteration: The distribution and abundance of this species on the study area, and across much of North America, has greatly benefited by placement of artificial nesting houses in residential areas.

Nesting Data: We have four records of confirmed nests from the study area. Rosche (1979) stated that purple martin nests in Lewellen, Garden County, the westernmost nesting location in Nebraska. Tout (1947) stated that nesting in North Platte, Lincoln County, was quite limited and restricted to artificial nest sites in residential areas.