Common Swift Welfare: Urban Nest Site Conservation

Common swifts have suffered dramatic UK population declines due to loss of nest sites in renovated buildings, making nest site conservation a priority.

Key Facts

UK swift population has declined by over 50% since the 1990s
Swifts are almost entirely aerial, even sleeping and mating in flight
They nest in small cavities in buildings, returning to the same site each year
Building renovation frequently destroys nests without replacement provision
Swift bricks provide artificial nest sites integrated into building fabric

Welfare Considerations

Loss of nest sites leaves swifts unable to breed after returning from Africa, causing breeding failure with high individual welfare cost. Pairs returning to destroyed sites search extensively before giving up, wasting valuable breeding season energy. Successfully installed swift bricks take time to be colonised but represent permanent welfare infrastructure. Urban swift populations are biologically resilient if nest sites are maintained. Welfare at the population level depends on policy mandating nest site retention during renovation.

What You Can Do

Install swift bricks during any planned building renovation
Support planning policies requiring swift nest provision in new builds
Join the RSPB swift survey to map local swift populations
Play swift call recordings during June-July to attract prospecting birds
Advocate for swift nest site requirements in planning guidance