Swifts are losing nest sites as old buildings are renovated, and specially designed nesting towers and boxes are increasingly used to provide alternative safe nesting habitat.
Loss of nest sites in renovated buildings forces swifts to compete intensely for remaining cavities, increasing stress and reducing breeding success. Grounded swifts unable to take off risk predation and starvation. Welfare priorities include incorporating swift bricks into building renovations, installing standalone nesting towers, using call playback to attract swifts to new sites, and training builders in swift-sensitive renovation techniques.