Migrating Chimney Swifts
Roost in Kent

himney Swifts in their daily journeys scatter far and wide over Portage County. One may see a Swift coursing through the air here, and another there, but in the evening thousands come racing in toward the chimneys in downtown Kent…where they pass the night.

Swifts going to their roost – usually a large chimney able to accommodate hundreds

The early arrivals do not enter the chimney at once. In fact no Swifts go to bed until practically all have come. They fly in a great, irregular troop around and around over the chimney. Then, like a whirling column of smoke, a part of them pour into the chimney. Others approach the chimney and another group of birds dart spirally into it. This performance is repeated until not a Swift remains outside. In the morning the Swifts leave in small parties, and once again separate widely over our county in search of food.

Swifts live on the wing, foraging in flight for flying insects and usually feed in groups, flying closely together, making a distinctive chipping noise. Their flight is distinctive—rapid angular turns unlike most other birds.

Originally, these birds nested in large hollow trees, but now they mainly nest in man-made structures such as large open chimneys. The nest is made of twigs glued together with saliva and placed in a shaded location. They will lay three to seven white eggs, which the female will cover at night. The incubation period is 19-20 days, and the fledglings leave the nest after a month.

Chimney Swifts migrate between North America and Peru, making a round-trip journey of 6,000 miles every year to pursue their insect prey.

The population of chimney swifts seem to be declining, and it may be due to the relatively recent practice of capping or closing chimneys that were once used for nesting.

COOL FACTS

Chimney Swifts are so specialized in their ability to cling to vertical surfaces that they cannot perch or stand on their legs in the way that most birds do. Their unique feet have four grappling, hook-shaped toes with claws that can hold onto a rough surface. Swifts are among the most aerial of birds, flying almost constantly except when at the nest or roosting at night.