Artificial swift nest cups installed under eaves can provide substitute nest sites where building renovation has eliminated natural cavities. Properly positioned cups with call playback can attract new swift colonies within 1-3 seasons.
Swift pairs that colonise artificial nest cups gain secure nest sites that can be used for the life of the breeding pair (up to 20+ years). Installation of artificial cups near existing colonies provides overflow nesting capacity as colonies grow. The welfare benefit accumulates over decades as nest cups provide long-term secure breeding habitat. Proper positioning and dimensions are critical — poorly designed cups that overheat or lack adequate entry dimensions fail to attract or retain nesting pairs.