martins
n. countablen. small birds with long wings that are famous for their fast, skillful flight. They are part of the swallow family and often build nests out of mud on buildings.
n. any of several species of passerine birds in the family Hirundinidae, characterized by their aerial insectivory and graceful flight. Often distinguished from other swallows by their larger size or specific nesting habits.
The martins fly back to the same nests every spring.
Purple martins are highly social birds that often live in large colonies near open water sources.
The arrival of the martins signals the change of seasons, as these migratory birds return from their wintering grounds in the south to occupy their traditional nesting sites.
Usually appears in the plural when referring to the species or a colony.