Swift

Small yet mighty, Swifts make one of nature’s most incredible journeys. Each year, they fly from the savannahs and forests of Africa to the towns and cities of the UK, and back again – a round trip of at least 14,000 miles. Their screaming call is one of the most evocative sounds of summer. But in some places their calls have fallen silent. Sadly, Swifts are on the Red List of conservation concern, declining by 62% between 1995 and 2021. We don’t have the full picture about why Swift populations are crashing, but we think lack of nest sites may be partly the cause. That’s why we’ve been working with other Swift experts to design the ‘Swift brick, a special brick with a cavity for Swifts to raise their chicks in. We’re also helping Swifts by carrying out research, supporting people to take action in their community and asking people to log local sightings on Swift Mapper, so we can help protect existing nest sites.   

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More about Swifts

After a long flight back from their summer in Africa, Swifts have one thing on their minds – to mate. Swifts pair for life, returning to the same site each year for a little nest renovation before laying and incubating their eggs. They like to live in houses and churches, squeezing through tiny gaps to nest inside roofs. But as more old buildings are renovated and gaps in soffits closed up, Swift nest sites are fast disappearing. This, in part, resulted in Swifts being added to the red list in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report.

Red is the highest conservation priority, with species on this list needing urgent action. Species on this list, such as Swifts, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges. That’s why Swifts urgently need our help. By installing a Swift brick in a wall, or putting up a nestbox, you could give a Swift a place to rest and raise a family.