Swift Bird Box

Species: Common Swift (Apus apus). Irish name: Gabhlán gaoithe.

The Common Swift (Apus apus) is the only breeding Swift species that we have in Ireland. It is a small migratory bird (larger than a Swallow, smaller than a Starling). Swifts arrive in Ireland from late April to early May, from Sub-Saharan Africa to breed and they depart by mid-August or early September.

Swifts are unique in that they spend most of their lives in flight. They feed on airborne invertebrates (spiders, flies and other small insects) captured in flight. The Swift is often confused with birds of a similar profile, namely swallows and martins.

Swifts predominantly nest in buildings. They are more common in urban areas, building small, cupped nests in small crevices in heritage buildings, as well as in the eaves of houses. Swift nest boxes can provide additional opportunities for nest sites. Swift nesting boxes must also be installed in appropriate locations, in areas clear from opportunistic predators such as cats. The ideal point in a building is directly below the building eaves or soffit.