They roost communally at other times of the year. Pairs roost together at the nest site during the breeding season, and both parents will sleep in the nest until the space becomes too limited. Where do Chimney Swifts nest at night?Ĭhimney Swifts roost in sheltered cavities like chimneys and hollow trees. They have relatively specialized nesting requirements, and true to their name, most pairs nest in chimneys. Do Chimney Swifts nest on the ground?Ĭhimney Swifts do not nest on the ground. They rarely reuse their nests, so cleaning and servicing chimneys after the birds have left does not impact them. They overwinter in countries like Chile, Brazil, and Peru in the western half of South America.įAQs Do Chimney Swifts abandon their nests?Ĭhimney Swifts abandon their nests each year before migrating south for the winter. Where do Chimney Swifts nest in the winter?Ĭhimney Swifts are migratory birds that do not nest in the northern winter. The timing varies somewhat according to latitude. Most Chimney Swifts lay their eggs in March or June. Read on for a timeline of Chimney Swift nesting. Building their nests may take up to a month, and the chicks are relatively slow to reach flying age for a bird of their size. How long do Chimney Swifts nest for?Ĭhimney Swift nesting usually takes about two and a half months. Further north in Canada, nest construction may conclude in early June. In Texas, nest construction begins in late April. What time of year do Chimney Swifts nest?Ĭhimney Swifts begin nesting in the spring or summer. Continue reading to learn about the timing of their breeding season. The average height of 25 roost and nest trees was 42 feet (12.7 m).Ĭhimney Swifts visit the United States and Canada at the same time each year to nest and raise the next generation. In chimneys in Kansas, most nests are built about ten feet (3 m) below the entrance. Suitable trees are generally large and hollow or have cavities.Ĭhimney Swifts are known to nest in the following tree species:Ĭhimney Swift nest heights vary depending on the nature of the nest site structure. However, chimneys and other artificial structures are certainly favored.Ī 2014 review found that Chimney Swifts nest and roost in no less than thirteen species of living, dead, or dying coniferous and deciduous trees. What trees do Chimney Swifts nest in?Ĭhimney Swifts still nest in trees in areas where chimneys are not available.

They consist of a tall column with ventilation near the top entrance and smooth outer walls to deter predators like snakes and raccoons. The most effective nest boxes are made from timber with grooves on the inside to give the birds purchase and a place to secure their nest. However, these swallow-like birds will use backyards with suitable nest sites like purpose-made nest boxes.Ĭhimney Swifts readily use nest boxes, although these structures differ from your regular birdhouse. Do Chimney Swifts nest in backyards?Ĭhimney Swifts are more likely to nest in your home or on a built structure on your property than in your backyard. Do Chimney Swifts nest in the same place every year?Ĭhimney Swifts generally use the same roost and nest sites year after year. Most pairs now nest in chimneys, although many build their nests elsewhere in buildings or use natural tree cavities and caves. They favor chimneys, but they will build their nest in the following locations:Ĭhimney Swifts have been nesting in chimneys in North America for hundreds of years. Where do Chimney Swifts nest?Ĭhimney Swifts nest in dark and sheltered sites with vertical walls. One or both Swifts in a pair will scout for the nest site before beginning construction. Chimney Swifts overwinter in the Amazon Basin in South America and return to nest across the eastern half of the USA each spring.

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