Thesis (M.S.)--The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2008. / Directed by Malcolm Schug; submitted to the Dept. of Biology. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Aug. 14, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-47).

The reproductive success of the Purple Martin is dependent upon many factors. This study measured reproductive success of the Purple Martin (Progne subis subis) based on parental age and type of housing used. Reproductive parental ages consist of adults (experienced breeders) and subadults (first time breeders). Housing types included in this study were aluminum housing, wooden housing, plastic gourds, natural gourds, SuperGourds, and mailbox housing. The reproductive success was defined as the percentage of the original clutch that fledged. Study sites were located in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia. Pairs mating nonassortatively by age group had lower reproductive success than adults and subadults that were paired assortatively. Purple Martins were the most reproductively successful in SuperGourds and the least reproductively successful in wooden housing. This study provides evidence that may be basis for further research, help support the conservation of the Purple Martin, and aid reproductive success on its breeding grounds.