Why are Chimney Swifts important to the environment?
Each day, Chimney Swifts consume one-third of their weight in flying insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, making them a natural insect control. Historically, Chimney Swifts nested and roosted in hollow trees, but land development and the clear cutting of forested habitats has reduced natural nesting sites. As a result, Chimney Swift numbers have declined. According to the Breeding Bird Survey, from 1966 to 2004, Chimney Swifts declined at an annual average rate of 1.4 percent in many areas throughout the United States. Wide-scale habitat preservation would benefit Chimney Swifts, allowing for the protection of their natural nesting sites. This species does, however, make use of artificial roosting sites such as Chimney Swift towers, which are aiding in the bird’s conservation. Getting Started: What You Can Do • Clean chimneys in early March, and leave masonry or clay flue-tile chimneys uncapped March through October to allow entrance by nesting and roosting swifts. (Metal chimneys pr
