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Learn about purple martins and other aerial insectivores in Maine
An aerial insectivore is any animal that feeds almost exclusively on insects ?on the wing? (while flying). This group includes bats, some insects themselves, and many birds including swifts, swallows, nightjars, and flycatchers. Maine is home to 18 avian aerial insectivores.
73.1% of avian aerial insectivore species are experiencing drastic population declines across North America (31.8% since 1970). In Maine, cliff swallows, bank swallows, purple martins, tree swallows, and nightjars have shown the largest declines.
Currently there are less than 10 purple martin nesting colonies in Maine and they are dependent on artificial nest structures provided by people. Without help, we are in danger of losing purple martins from the state entirely.?
Learn more about Maine's aerial insectivores, their status and population decline, and how you can help in this interactive story map.
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