FAQ
Do Swifts Make a Mess?
No, you do not get lots of swift poop beneath a nest, and they do not make large nests in roofs or boxes. Boxes do not require cleaning out if you only have swifts using the box (sometimes other bird species will occupy a box see FAQ SPARROWS ARE USING MY SWIFT BOX), they do their own housekeeping.
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Where should I hang Swift boxes?
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Generally, it is recommended to place swift boxes above 4m from the ground. Lower positions can be achieved if there are no obstructions in the drop zone beneath the box and the flight path out. Adults can negotiate some obstacles but swifts making their first flight from the nest are not such accomplished fliers, and need more space. Ideally, don’t place boxes on very sunny sides of the building unless under eaves which can provide shade. Boxes could be painted white to reflect some heat.
Swifts like to nest close to one another, so putting up more than one box or boxes close to each other is a good idea. Ask your street/neighbours if they want to help swifts too and have a community project.
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Sparrows are using my Swift box - what can I do?
It is illegal to disturb nesting birds so you cannot remove active bird nests from a box or any other site. House Sparrows occasionally use swift boxes for breeding, and since these birds are also on the Red List of Conservation Concern it would be great to give them their own box. Like swifts they have also lost nesting opportunities due to roof repairs and modern house designs.
Sparrows start to nest earlier than swifts and often have had a first brood before the swifts return, so it is possible that if the swifts like the box, they can kick out the sparrows when they return around the beginning of May. It has been regularly reported that they can do this ‘time share’.
If you really don’t want sparrows in the box you can devise a system to block the entrance until the end of April or you see the first swift return. You must be vigilant with this or you could lose your swifts if they return to a blocked site.
Where are Swifts nesting in Norwich?
Check out the RSPB Swiftmapper to see where Swifts nest across Norwich and beyond. Log your own sightings to help Swift conservation.
