Each spring, many Canadians view the return of birds like swallows and swifts as a welcome sign that winter has finally passed.

We are still uncovering what is driving severe declines among this group of birds. Likely major causes include: nesting habitat availability; human-caused disturbances; changes in food supply (insect populations); and unpredictable severe weather events (climate change). Lastly, because these species roost or congregate in large groups to spend the night, they are especially vulnerable to degradation or loss of roosting sites.

In an effort to conserve swifts and swallows and their habitats across the country, Birds Canada is looking to address knowledge gaps and identify high-priority sites for Chimney Swifts, Barn Swallows, Bank Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Tree Swallows, and Purple Martins. You can help! Thank you for sharing casual observations, detailed nest reports, or roost site information. Please reach out to a coordinator to learn where you can help monitor Chimney Swifts for the SwiftWatch program.