Room for 2,400? Chimney swifts check into a Fredericton chimney

Chimney swifts are fascinating creatures that have a unique habit of roosting in chimneys as they migrate across long distances. Recently, a chimney in Fredericton became a temporary home for over 2,400 chimney swifts, providing a rare opportunity to witness these birds up close.

Allison Manthorne, an aerial insectivore conservation strategist with Birds Canada, described chimney swifts as birds that prefer to roost high up in the sky. From below, they appear as boomerang-shaped, black silhouettes, with short legs and relatively large feet that help them cling vertically to surfaces.

Unfortunately, the national population of chimney swifts has declined significantly since the 1970s, making sightings like the one in Fredericton a promising sign for the species. With their small size (12 to 15 centimeters long) and wingspan of only about 30 centimeters, chimney swifts rely on roost chimneys as resting places during their migration.

Birds Canada conducts a national roost monitoring program to track chimney swift populations, with staff and volunteers stationed at roost sites to count the birds entering specific chimneys. This data helps determine whether the population is increasing or decreasing, providing valuable insights into the species’ conservation status.

During a recent count in Fredericton, over 2,400 chimney swifts were recorded entering a single chimney, marking a significant gathering for these birds. As the night progresses, the swifts huddle closely together inside the chimney to regulate their temperatures and conserve energy, forming what Manthorne described as a “snuggle puddle.”

Chimney swifts migrate from South America to Eastern Canada, stopping at roost chimneys along the way. Once they reach their final destination, they meet up with their partners and find suitable chimneys to nest in. Preserving these roost sites is essential for the species’ survival, as masonry, stone, or concrete chimneys are no longer commonly built.

Manthorne emphasized the importance of protecting chimney swifts if they roost in your chimney, as they are considered a threatened species. Simple steps like closing the damper and installing a cap on metal-lined chimneys can prevent harm to these birds. Despite their presence, chimney swifts are discreet guests, often going unnoticed by homeowners.

Overall, chimney swifts play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance, and efforts to conserve their habitats are vital for their continued survival. By respecting and protecting these unique birds, we can ensure that future generations will have the privilege of witnessing their awe-inspiring migrations.