Chimney Swift Artificial Chimney Design

Chimney Swift Artificial Chimney Plan

Chimney Swifts are commonly referred to as flying-cigars. These cigar shaped gray birds are easy to identify as they fly over cities and suburbs catching flying insects. Chimney Swifts are most noticeable at dusk during migration when flocks numbering in the hundreds or thousands circle in tornado-like flocks above roost-chimneys and then suddenly descend, like reverse smoke, into the chimney to spend the night. 

Download a Chimney Swift Artificial Roost or nesting Chimney Plan

This species traditionally nested and roosted in large hollow trees in pre-colonial woodlands.

As old growth forests were cleared for agriculture, Chimney Swifts adapted to the masonry chimneys of the newly built towns and villages.

Populations expanded to the Rocky Mountains and deserts of the west.  However, the numbers have been steadily declining since the 1980's as homeowners began to cap their masonry chimneys or install unsuitable metal chimneys.

Capping of well-maintained chimneys is usually not needed and only occurs because homeowners have unfounded fears about diseases the swifts might harbor, or are bothered by the mysterious noises of feeding nestlings for a few short weeks in the summer. Closing the damper and packing the area below the damper and fireplace with insulation can substantially reduce the noise.

Box Placement

Nests and young are vulnerable to natural predators such as snakes, raccoons, cats and some owls and hawks that can enter chimneys and towers.

Fumes from unclean chimneys can asphyxiate young and adults quickly.

Some that choose older chimney for roosting in the fall are killed by fumes from boilers activated before the birds leave for migration.

Additional plans and information on Chimney Swifts are available from the Driftwood Wildlife Association, www.chimneyswifts.org