Scotland has lost 62% of its Swift population recently and we are very keen to track them.
These are amazing birds who spend most of their life in the air where they feed on insects, sleep and mate, only landing to nest.
They migrate here from Africa in spring and fly hundreds of thousands of miles in their lifetimes. Swifts return to the same nest site every year. During the four months they spend here they find a mate, bring up their chicks and see them leave the nest. As soon as this happens, they head south to warmer weather.
We want to save them from extinction and you can help by letting us know if you spot one. Email greenspace@northlan.gov.uk to let us know.
How to identify a Swift
What do they look like?
Plain, sooty brown in colour (although will appear black when silhouetted against the sky) with large, curved shaped wings and a short forked tail. Swifts are bigger birds than Swallows or Housemartins.
Where might I see them?
Although they nest around man-made structures (under roof tiles, in eaves and lofts) you are much more likely to spot them in the air. Look out for these dark, acrobatic birds with long sickle-shaped wings on warm summer evenings when they gather in ‘screaming parties’, swooping and chasing each other around the buildings where they nest.
When might I see them?
From mid-May until they depart during August. Early in the morning or late in the day is the best time to spot them.
How can I help?
Install a nest box outside your house or, even better, integrate a nest site into the design of your house. Swifts will nest in roof cavities if they have access. If you’re lucky enough to have them nesting already at your home, avoid any building work that would block access to or interfere with their nests.
