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The adaption by Chimney Swifts
(Chaetura pelagica) to utilize man made structures is the direct result of deforestation and the loss of the large hollow
trees that is their natural roosting and nesting site.
Swifts are unusual in that they
are unable to stand upright or perch as all other birds do. But they are uniquely outfitted to cling to rough textured vertical
surfaces such as the inside of your masonry chimney. They have four claws on each foot that act as "hooks"
to hold them in place. Their tail feathers are short and very stiff and used as a stabilizer as they rest.
Chimney swifts spend all of the daylight hours "on the wing", feeding exclusively on flying insects, only coming
to roost in the evening.
Swifts will sometimes live in communal roosts that may contain hundreds
of birds. I once had a church in Durham, NC with a large commercial chimney stack that had around 5000! WOW!
Chimney Swifts are a "seasonal" visitor to the United States and they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act of 1918! It is against Federal Law to remove or disturb them during their breeding season.
To learn more about this fascinating animal go to www.chimneyswifts.org.
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