Swift
Swift
Swifts are sometimes mistaken for the smaller Swallow or even House Martin. They are, indeed, similar in shape in flight, being rather streamline and with a forked tail. However, Swifts are altogether stockier with longer, sickle-shaped wings.
They are summer visitors, arriving in Britain in May to breed and departing again for their African wintering grounds in August. They are one of our shortest staying summer visitors!
Swifts are generally found nesting in holes and cavities in the roofs of older buildings in large villages, towns and cities. Their numbers have declined by over 25% in the past decade due lack of nesting sites as older buildings are either renovated or knocked down.
Swift young
Swift eggs
Nesting Information
- Medium-sized box with oval-shaped hole.
- Height as high as possible on buildings with a clear drop below entrance.
- The nest is a cup of plant material cemented with saliva.
- Egg-laying starts between mid-May to early July.
- 2 to 4 eggs. Dull white.
- Incubation 19-20 days
- Nestlings fledge between 37-56 days, depending on weather.
More facts about this species
For more information about Swifts, see the BTO’s BirdFacts and Wider Countryside Report.
Special offer on Swift boxes
This year the focus of National Nestbox Week is on providing nest boxes for Swifts - Find out more.
