Chimney Swifts originally nested in natural sites such as caves and hollow trees of old-growth forests. While one may occasionally find swifts nesting in these natural sites, Chimney Swifts now nest primarily in chimneys and other artificial sites with vertical surfaces and low light, including structures built specifically for their use.
DID YOU KNOW? Only one nest is constructed in any chimney or swift tower, regardless of the size of the site!
In recent years, the number of available chimneys (their nesting “habitat”) has decreased as a result of the demolition of old buildings, the capping of old chimneys, and through chimney sweeps removing nests from chimneys during the nesting season (despite the species being protected by federal law). We want to increase available nest sites for swifts by contracting swift towers wherever swifts occur. Your donation will provide much-needed nesting habitat (swift towers) for this beneficial and charismatic aerial insectivore!