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What to do with a grounded swift
Because of the length of the wings and shortness of the legs, most swifts (with exception of very few strong adults) are unable to take off from a flat surface. Hence, once grounded, they are trapped and doomed to death. As such a young swift gets only one chance to become airborne. If all goes well, it will fly non-stop until it returns to breed. If you find a grounded swift, check that there are no obvious injuries, that the breast is not sharp and thin (starving) and that any flight feathers are not still in sheathing (young bird). If the bird is not injured, take it to an upstairs window (for an adult bird an outstretched arm when standing up may be adequate) and place it on the palm of your hand, head facing outwards. Gently raise and lower your arm, thus allowing the bird to feel the air under its wings. It should then start taking an interest and usually takes off with confidence. If it is reluctant to leave and is either in poor condition or a young bird, keep it overnight in a box. Feed it hourly with insects, small pieces of raw meat or dog or cat food until dark. Regardless of age, they are unable to pick food from the ground and are reliant on being fed. Try to release the bird the next morning, by which time it hopefully has recovered enough to take to the air. Swifts, being totally aerial, need their wings to be in perfect condition. If a wing is broken, you should seek the help of a vet. | Bird guide |
Swifts flying around church tower - Graham Catley
Flock of swifts in flight - Graham Catley
Swift in flight - Graham Catley