The alpine swift nests on cliff faces and tall buildings across southern Europe, with welfare challenges linked to nest site loss, prey availability, and climate change.
Alpine swift welfare is closely tied to the availability of safe, undisturbed nest sites and abundant aerial insect prey. Building renovation and cliff quarrying destroy active colonies, killing chicks and causing adults to abandon traditional sites. Prolonged cold and wet weather during the breeding season reduces insect availability, leading to chick starvation. Installation of nest boxes during building works and insect-friendly habitat management around nesting sites mitigate these welfare impacts.