The Canadian population of Chimney Swift is best monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), although much of the population is in urban areas not covered by the program. The national trend indicates a steep decline from the 1970s through early 2000s, tapering off subsequently and eventually stabilizing at a level nearly 90% below 1970 levels. Trends are similar across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes.

The goal for Chimney Swift is to increase the population to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Chimney Swift is far below its goal range, although it has shown a slight increase over the past decade. Because of the severity of the population decline since the early 1970s, it is not realistic for the goal to be met by 2050. Based on analysis of the historical population loss and potential growth rates, the interim target is to reach 25% of the goal by 2050. Achieving this target, and ultimately reaching the national goal for this species, will require ambitious and long-term conservation action. This goal is more ambitious than the goal of arresting decline and maintaining a stable population that is defined in the Recovery Strategy for Chimney Swift under the Species at Risk Act (ECCC, 2023).