health
Migrating swifts loyally return every year to nests in buildings, study finds
Conservationists emphasise importance of protecting nesting sites used by ‘strongly faithful’ red-listed species
TL;DR
- A 15-year study found that 94% of swifts return to the same nesting sites annually, showing strong site loyalty.
- Swifts are an endangered species in Britain, with numbers declining by 70% since 1995 due to loss of nesting sites.
- Scotland mandates swift bricks in new buildings, while England has refused to do so.
- Researchers tracked swifts using numbered leg rings to document nest site and partner fidelity.
- Network Rail reopened blocked holes in a Derbyshire viaduct for swifts after public outcry.
- Swifts returning to Dorking, Surrey, found their nesting site demolished during the nesting season.
- A campaign is ongoing to make swift bricks obligatory in new homes.
- UK Swift Awareness Week aims to educate the public on helping swifts.
- Heatwaves can cause swift chicks to overheat and fall from nests, requiring rescue.
- Community groups and local people are increasingly supporting swifts, with growing numbers of swift groups and events.