Common Swift Nest Box Design and Installation Guide

Swift nest boxes must meet specific design criteria to be successfully colonised. Understanding what swifts need guides effective installation decisions.

Key Facts

Swifts require nest boxes with a specific entrance hole of 28-30mm width and 15mm height
Boxes should be installed at least 5 metres above ground with a clear flight path below
East or north-facing aspects are preferred to avoid overheating in summer
Internal dimensions of approximately 15cm x 28cm x 8cm replicate natural cavity dimensions
New boxes typically take 3-5 years to be colonised without call lure attraction

Welfare Considerations

Inappropriate nest box design causes welfare problems — overheating boxes can kill chicks in hot summers, and boxes with too-large entrances admit predators like starlings and sparrows that evict swifts or kill chicks. Swift chicks in overheated boxes show dehydration and heat stress before adults can provide water in flight. Well-designed boxes with appropriate insulation, correct aspect and clear flight paths provide safe nest sites. Swift Conservation provides free design specifications and registered installers. New homeowners undertaking roof works should check for swifts before any work during the breeding season.

What You Can Do

Install swift boxes using designs approved by Swift Conservation or RSPB
Use audio call lures from May through July to attract prospecting birds
Check for swifts before any roof or eaves work between May and August
Contact Swift Mapper to record your installation and link to monitoring data
Join a local swift group for advice on optimising installation placement