From breathtaking evening sky shows to community science, discover why this remarkable species depends on us—and how you can make a difference.

Imagine looking up at the evening sky and seeing hundreds—sometimes thousands—of birds swirling overhead before disappearing down a chimney. It is a breathtaking sight—but it is also a glimpse into the life of the Chimney Swift, a species whose survival increasingly depends on us.

A Life Spent in the Air

Chimney Swifts are often called “flying cigars” because of their shape—but what really makes them special is how they live.

These birds spend almost their entire lives in the air, catching insects, drinking water, and even bathing while flying. They only stop to rest at night (or when they have a nest) clinging to vertical surfaces like chimneys. Swifts do not perch like other birds, instead they have specialized claws that allow them to grip to walls vertically, making chimneys and similar structures essential to their survival.

Why Chimney Swifts Need Our Help

Chimney Swifts did not always live alongside us. Originally nests were found in caves or hollow trees within old-growth forests. As those habitats disappeared, and humans starting building houses Chimney Swifts adapted to using human-made structures.

Today, they depend on chimneys and similar vertical, enclosed spaces – especially those found in older buildings, churches, and factories. As older structures are modified or removed, the spaces Chimney Swifts depend on are disappearing, making conservation efforts more important than ever.

In addition, their populations are in decline due to:

  • Loss of natural nesting and roosting sites
  • Insecticide use, which reduces their main food supply (insects!)
  • Changes in seasonal cues can affect food availability, habitat conditions, and overall health of the Chimney Swift

How People Are Helping

Swift Night Out had its debut in 2001 and has grown into a continent-wide effort that brings communities together to observe Chimney Swifts at roosting sites during migration.

At these events, participants are not just watching swifts – they are counting them!  These observations provide valuable information that researchers use to understand how these Chimney Swifts are doing over time.

Swift Night Out events reflect the 2026 World Migratory Bird Day theme: Every Bird Counts – and every observation matters. Highlighting the importance of public participation in bird conservation – something anyone can take part in, whether you are a seasoned birder or just curious about the natural world.

Chimney Swifts are also a focal species for the Upper Mississippi / Great Lakes Joint Venture (UMGLJV), where conservation partners are working together through an Urban Bird Conservation Delivery Network to protect birds in urban environments. Efforts like Swift Night Out are an important part of this work, connecting people, science, and conservation action.

In July 2024, the UMGLJV hosted a Chimney Swift workshop, bringing together partners to share knowledge, strengthen conservation strategies, and support ongoing efforts to better understand and protect this species.

A Local Role in Conservation

This year, Michigan Audubon hosted a week of Swift Night Out events in Lansing to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. Over the course of the week  community members came together to observe Chimney Swifts and learn how to support conservation through community science. The highest number of Chimney Swifts were counted on May 6th, where 1,287 birds entered the Greenhouse chimney over the course of 2 hours.

Michigan is also home to one of the largest known roosting sites in North America -the Swift Sanctuary of Farmington, where up to 50,000 swifts may gather during migration.

Look Up and Take Part

Swift Night Out is more than a birdwatching event – it is a chance to connect with a species whose life is directly tied to our communities.

So next time you are outside, listen for the high pitched twittering of Chimney Swifts –a sign that they are nearby – and see if you can spot an old chimney they might be using. You may even catch a glimpse of this amazing bird.

When it comes to species like Chimney Swifts, every bird truly counts—and every observation, action, and person can make a difference.

Find Out More About Chimney Swifts

Interested in learning more about Chimney Swifts? Attend a Swift Night Out event this fall or volunteer to help with local roost surveys. It is a great way to witness this incredible species in action—and play a role in protecting it!

For more information, explore these resources: