Editor’s Note: The Chimney Swift chicks are part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
In late June, five orphaned chimney swift chicks arrived at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) after falling from their nests. Rescuers brought three chicks to CROW when their nest collapsed, and a separate rescue brought in two more the following day. On examination, all were healthy and developing normally.
Since renesting was not an option, CROW’s staff is raising the chicks together until they’re independent and ready for release.
As their name suggests, chimney swifts are uniquely adapted to life on vertical surfaces. Rather than perching on branches, they cling to walls using specialized tail feathers tipped with stiff spines.
Chimney swifts build nests out of small twigs glued together with saliva. They attach these nests to the inside of chimneys or other vertical structures. Historically, chimney swifts nested in hollow trees, but development has destroyed much of this crucial habitat. As chimneys are falling out of use, these birds are hard pressed to find suitable nesting sites.
These remarkable birds spend nearly their entire lives in the air, catching flying insects on the wing.
Unfortunately, widespread insect declines and habitat loss have contributed to an estimated 50% drop in North American chimney swift populations over the past 50 years.
Rehabilitating chimney swifts requires specialized care. CROW’s staff house the chicks in custom enclosures that allow them to cling vertically. They are fed a carefully balanced insect-based diet to support normal growth and development.
Once fully fledged, CROW will release the young swifts near an active wild colony. There, they can join other swifts for migration and learn the behaviors needed to thrive in the wild.
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