Chimney Swifts

Chimney swifts are migratory birds found throughout North, South, and Central America.  They are known for their unique habit of nesting inside chimneys, which is how they earned their common name.  Traveling in large flocks, chimney swifts typically migrate in late summer and early spring, marking the start and end of their breeding season.

While these birds are fascinating in their behavior, they can become a problem when they interfere with the functionality of chimneys.  Their nests, often made of twigs glued together with their saliva, can block chimneys, posing a fire hazard and preventing proper ventilation.  Homeowners with active chimney swift nests may also experience noise disturbances from the birds’ constant activity.

Since chimney swifts are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s illegal to remove or disturb their nests while they are active.  Therefore, it is important to wait until they have migrated before addressing the issue.  Installing chimney caps or screens can help prevent swifts from nesting in chimneys in the future.