Wildlife

Alpine Swift Welfare and Colony Conservation

Understanding the welfare needs of alpine swifts breeding at high altitude in Europe.

Key Facts

Alpine swifts breed at altitude in cliff faces and old buildings across southern Europe
They are larger than common swifts — feeding at higher altitudes and in inclement weather
Colonies in old buildings are threatened by renovation and modernisation
Their radar-based altitude tracking has revealed extraordinary non-stop flight capabilities

Welfare Considerations

Alpine swift welfare at breeding colonies depends on maintaining access to suitable cliff and building nest sites. Renovation of old churches and castles that host colonies destroys nesting opportunities. Welfare-informed renovation retains access holes and installs purpose-built nest boxes to maintain colony viability. Climate change affecting aerial insect abundance at altitude is an emerging welfare threat.

What You Can Do

Support alpine swift colony protection in restoration projects across southern Europe
Report alpine swift colony sites to local wildlife authorities before any building renovation
Follow wildlife-friendly renovation guidelines when working on old buildings that host colonies