The Chimney Swift spends virtually its entire life on the wing — feeding, mating, and even sleeping while airborne — landing only to nest and roost. It nests in chimneys and hollow trees, attaching its tiny twig nest to vertical surfaces with its own saliva. Each autumn, thousands of swifts pour into large communal chimneys in dramatic 'chimney swirl' events before their departure to South America.
Best time to see a Chimney Swift
The best time to see a Chimney Swift is April–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,745 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Chimney Swift? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Chimney Swift sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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