Swifts are with us for just 3 months in the summer, arriving in late April. These amazing birds have shared our buildings since the Roman times nesting under the eaves and gables.
Their numbers have declined dramatically – down 45% in the South West since 1995.
Now CBWPS and RSPB have teamed up and need your help to find out where swifts are nesting and where they nested in the past. Swift Conservation has appointed Bruce Taggart, vice – chair of CBWPS as their Cornwall representative. Bruce can be contacted for information on installing swift nesting sites in new buildings and for the supply of swift nestboxes on
Parties of low-flying screaming swifts are unmistakable, but individually they can be confused with swallows and house martins. The illustrations below will help to tell you to tell the difference between these birds.
Illustrations by Mike Langman (rspb-images.com)
Please tell us where and when you saw a nest site and/or heard low-flying screaming swifts.
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I have seen a swift nest site
Date:Number of swift nests:
Where (street and postcode if known):
I have seen low-flying screaming swifts
Date:Number of low flying screaming swifts:
Where (street and postcode if known):
I know there used to be swifts in the village/church
Approximate year:Building used, if known:
Your name:
Your address:
Your email and/or telephone number:
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Please return this form by email:
or by post to: Stephen Fitt, RSPB South West Regional Office, Keble House, Southerney Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1NT
By completing this form you allow us to share the data you have gathered with the RSPB and National Biodiversity Network. Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose or passed to any other organisation.
Please tick as appropriate:
[ ] I do not want my name to appear in the RSPB swift inventory.
[ ] Please do not contact me about swift conservation again.
For more information on swifts visit:
email: or call RSPB SW office: 01392 432691