Urban Swift Conservation: Protecting Aerial Insectivores in Cities

Common swifts and other aerial insectivores have declined dramatically in urban areas, primarily due to loss of nesting sites in modern buildings.

Key Facts

Common swift populations have declined by up to 60% in the UK since the 1990s
Swifts spend almost their entire lives on the wing, landing only to nest
Modern buildings with sealed eaves and walls eliminate traditional swift nesting cavities
Swift boxes installed under eaves or integrated into new buildings can compensate for lost sites
Swifts eat vast quantities of aerial insects, providing important pest control services
One pair of swifts can travel 800km in a single day foraging for food

Welfare Considerations

Swift welfare is closely tied to nesting site availability and insect prey abundance. The loss of nesting cavities in modern buildings is the primary driver of urban swift decline — a welfare problem at the population level. Swifts that cannot find nest sites fail to breed, and established pairs show strong site fidelity, returning annually to the same locations. Installation of swift boxes and integration of nest bricks into new construction can directly restore nesting opportunities. Reducing pesticide use in urban areas benefits both swifts and the insect communities they depend on.

What You Can Do

Install RSPB-approved swift boxes on your home or building before the breeding season
Advocate for swift-friendly building regulations in new construction
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in gardens to support insect populations
Report swift sightings to local wildlife groups to help track populations
Support planning requirements for swift bricks in new housing developments
Plant native wildflowers to support the urban insect community swifts feed on