Chimney Swift

The Chimney Swift is a remarkable aerial acrobat, easily identified by its distinctive cigar-shaped body and rapid, twinkling wingbeats. Often referred to as a "flying cigar," this small, soot-colored bird spends almost its entire active life on the wing, landing only to nest or roost. They are famous for their unique affinity for human-made structures, especially brick chimneys, which they have adopted as substitutes for hollow trees. During the breeding season, they form monogamous pairs that build half-saucer nests made of twigs glued together with their own sticky saliva. In late summer, before embarking on their long migration to South America, Chimney Swifts gather in spectacular communal roosts. Watching thousands of swifts swirl in a massive funnel cloud before diving in unison down a single chimney at dusk is one of urban nature's most breathtaking spectacles.

Habitat: Historically nesting in hollow trees, they are now found predominantly in urban and suburban areas, nesting inside brick chimneys, air shafts, and abandoned buildings.