Description of residence for the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) in Canada

Preface

Section 33 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) prohibits damaging or destroying the residence of one or more individuals of a listed threatened, endangered, or extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended the re-introduction of the species into the wild in Canada (hereafter ‘listed wildlife species’). SARA defines residence as: “a dwelling-place, such as a den, nest or other similar area or place, that is occupied or habitually occupied by one or more individuals during all or part of their life cycles, including breeding, rearing, staging, wintering, feeding or hibernating” [s.2(1)].

The prohibition comes into effect in different ways depending on the jurisdiction with overall management responsibility for the species and on the location of the residence.

With respect to a listed wildlife species that is an aquatic species or a species of bird protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, the prohibition applies automatically upon listing wherever the residences are found in Canada. For any other listed wildlife species, the prohibition applies automatically when the residence of the species is on federal lands in a province, or on Environment and Climate Change Canada or the Parks Canada Agency lands in a territory, and will only apply on other lands if an order is made pursuant to sections 34 or 35 of SARA. Under section 97 of SARA every person who contravenes section 33 of the Act commits an offence.

Under SARA, the damage or destruction of this migratory bird species’ residence is prohibited automatically on all lands in Canada. SARA provides that permits may be issued for activities that affect a listed wildlife species, its critical habitat or residences of its individuals, under certain conditions. SARA also provides exceptions for certain activities that relate to public safety, health or national security for activities authorized under other federal legislation. The permitting scheme or above mentioned exception may apply, depending on the specifics of the situation, with respect to maintenance or modification of an existing man-made structure recognised as a residence.

The following is a description of residence for the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) created for the purposes of increasing public awareness and stewardship, and enhancing conservation of the species by promoting compliance with the above-noted prohibition. Chimney Swifts are known to have two types of residences: the structure housing the nest (including the nest) and the structure used for roosting (roost site). Occasionally, a single structure can serve to house the nest for a pair of Chimney Swifts and as a roost site for other Chimney Swifts.

Summary

The Chimney Swift has two residences: (1) the structure housing the nest (including the nest during the nesting period) used by the Chimney Swift to shelter from predators and inclement weather as well as for laying and incubating eggs, and rearing young; (2) the structure used for roosting (roost site) which provides a place to rest and sleep that is sheltered and protected from predators. Suitable structures are often chimneys made of masonry or similar vertical structures with a rough or porous inner surface and a dark interior. Structures used for roosting are generally larger than ones used for nesting. Nesting and roosting structures are considered a residence year around and remain a residence until the species has not used them for nesting or roosting for three consecutive years. The nest is a residence only during the nesting season and is no longer a residence after it is abandoned in late summer.

Species information

1. Structure housing the nest (including the nest)

Physical appearance and context

The structure housing the Chimney Swift nest, including the nest itself, where the Chimney Swift lays eggs and hatches young is considered a residence. The Chimney Swift builds its nest within hollow vertical structures. The interior vertical surface of the structure must be rough or porous, to allow the Chimney Swift to attach its nest using its saliva, which has adhesive properties (Fischer 1958; Steeves et al. 2014). The half-saucer-shaped nest is made from small dead twigs (2 - 5 cm long) that the bird pulls off the crowns of trees with its feet. The nest is small, approximately 5.0 - 7.5 cm wide (front to back) by 10 cm long (right to left side average) by 2.5 - 3.1 cm deep. Prior to European settlement, the Chimney Swift nested and roosted mainly inside hollow trees and occasionally on cave walls and in rocky crevices (Lack 1956; Fischer 1958; Tufts 1986; Godfrey 1986; Erskine 1992). However, with the arrival of Europeans in North America, forest clearing expanded and large trees became increasingly scarce (Leverett 1996; Drushka 2000). Chimney Swifts rapidly adopted suitable human-made structures for nesting and roosting such as chimneys, grain silos, cisterns, wells, barns, abandoned houses and boathouses (e.g., MacNamara 1918; Coffey 1936; Lack 1956; Fleckenstein 1996; Snow and Perrins 1998; Steeves et al. 2014). Among these structures, chimneys are the most abundant and by far the most frequently used by the Chimney Swift. The chimneys used are most often constructed of stone, brick, concrete or ceramic tile. Large chimneys, generally having an opening diameter greater than 28.5 cm, such as those on churches, schools, convents, commercial buildings and houses are often used (Gauthier et al. 2007; Figure 2). At sites other than chimneys, the birds may access the nest by a ventilation well, a broken window or a permanently-open door.

Structures in the natural environment are also still used, such as large living or dead trees with hollow trunks (typically > 50 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) (COSEWIC 2018)), cavities excavated by Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus), and rock crevices(COSEWIC 2018).

Evidence that a structure is used as a residence for nesting includes birds entering the structure very quickly and discretely, with repeated coming and going of adults in broad daylight, at intervals varying from five to 15 minutes (Gauthier et al. 2007).

Function

Vertical structures, including chimneys, provide a dark place for the nest, sheltered from inclement weather and predators. The nest itself forms a container in which the Chimney Swift can lay and incubate its eggs and raise its chicks. On average, a nest holds four eggs (range two to six eggs). Both members of the pair incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. In addition, other adults frequently help with these tasks. The nest takes close to 18 days or more to build. The egg-laying period can vary and may take about seven days for a clutch of four eggs, since eggs are generally laid at a rate of one every two days (COSEWIC 2007). Incubation takes on average 19 days (Fischer 1958; Steeves et al. 2014). The chicks remain in the nest for an average of 19 days, after which they leave it but continue growing while clinging to the inside wall of the structure housing the nest (Fischer 1958). The chicks stay clinging to the structure until they are able to take their first flight (Steeves et al. 2014), typically at 30 days of age (Fischer 1958). They can then come back to the structure housing the nest for another one or two weeks (Steeves et al. 2014).

Damage or destruction of the residence

Damage or destruction of a residence is defined as any alteration to the topography, geology, soil conditions, vegetation, chemical composition of air/water, surface or groundwater hydrology, micro-climate, or sound environment which either temporarily or permanently impairs the function(s) of the residence of one or more individuals.

Activities that may damage or destroy the structure housing the nest include, but are not limited to:

• changing the micro-climate of the structure housing the nest (e.g. repairs to a chimney that change air flow and internal temperature)
• modifying the structure housing the nest ( e.g. by lining the interior of a chimney with metal)
• blocking access to the nest or structure
• moving or otherwise disturbing the structure or nest
• destroying the structure housing the nest; or
• any other activity that would negatively affect the function of the structure used for nesting

Period and frequency of occupancy

The period of possible occupancy of the structure housing the nest is about four months, from the beginning of May to the beginning of September. Chimney Swifts begin to arrive in Canada at the end of April or in early May (Steeves et al. 2014). Once the nest site is selected, the birds will start the nesting season which usually extends from late May to Mid-August (COSEWIC 2018). Depending on the location, the fall migration period is from late July to late September (COSEWIC 2018). The majority of Chimney Swifts have left for their wintering grounds by October, although a small number of birds remain until the end of that month in the southernmost part of Ontario (Birds Canada, unpublished data).

The Chimney Swift breeding pair exhibits strong fidelity to the structure housing the nest and consequently tends to return each year to the same structure (Dexter 1992; Fischer 1958). The nest itself is rarely reused in subsequent years and often falls down before the next breeding season(Steeves et al. 2014.); therefore, under SARA, the nest is part of the residence only when occupied^{Footnote 1}, therefore from May to September of the year used.

Under SARA, the structure housing the nest is considered a residence throughout the year because the Chimney Swift is likely to return every year to the same structure (Dexter 1992; Gauthier et al. 2007). The structure housing the nest remains a residence from year to year and until there is documented evidence that the species has not used the structure housing the nest for three consecutive years. This period was determined based on evidence showing that the Chimney Swift will reuse a structure for nesting even after a 2 year absence period and sometimes more than 2 years (ECCC 2019). Furthermore, the average lifespan for Chimney Swifts is 4.5 years and the birds do not necessarily reproduce in their first year; therefore, on average, a bird is likely to reproduce for a period of about 3 years over its lifetime. Absence should be confirmed using a standard protocol from one of the Chimney Swift Monitoring programs in Canada and the monitoring must take place throughout the breeding season. In Ontario and the Maritimes, please visit Birds Canada, in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, visit the the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative, and in Québec the Regroupement QuébecOiseaux (French only).

2. Structure used for roosting (roost site)

Physical appearance and context

The structure where a bird roosts, settles or congregates to rest is considered a residence. The Chimney Swift usually roosts in the interior of large chimneys constructed of stone, brick, concrete or ceramic tile, but roost sites also include other human-made structures such as grain silos, cisterns, wells, barns, abandoned houses and boathouses or natural structures such as hollow trees, cave walls and rocky crevices(e.g., MacNamara 1918; Coffey 1936; Lack 1956; Fleckenstein 1996; Snow and Perrins 1998; Steeves et al. 2014). Large chimneys, generally having an opening diameter greater than 28.5 cm, such as those on churches, schools, convents, commercial buildings and houses are often used (Gauthier et al. 2007; Figure 2). Any structure used for roosting by the Chimney Swift is considered a residence.

During the spring and fall migration period, roost sites shelter anywhere from a few birds up to several hundred or even several thousand birds. During the summer breeding period, roost sites have been known to shelter up to hundreds of birds in large towns and cities and sometimes in more rural areas.

Evidence that a structure is used as residence for roosting includes, on fair weather evenings, birds gradually gathering in the minutes before sunset near a structure; as the time of entry approaches, the birds gather more and more cohesively and start circling the chimney or structure while calling. Then, at some point, they quickly enter. They can enter the chimney alone or in groups (Gauthier et al. 2007).

Function

Roost sites provide Chimney Swifts shelter and protection from predators at night and on rainy, cold or windy days, as well as a variety of social benefits. These relatively confined spaces also allow the birds to gather side by side and thus maintain body temperature. During the nesting season, a roost site may be occupied by non-breeding birds (or failed breeders), and may also be occupied by a nesting pair. The number of birds at individual roost sites varies depending on the time of year, with some birds moving to communal roost sites after nesting is complete. Additionally, some roosting sites are used primarily during the fall migration period, and some are used primarily during spring migration.

Damage or destruction of the residence

Damage or destruction of a residence is defined as any alteration to the topography, geology, soil conditions, vegetation, chemical composition of air/water, surface or groundwater hydrology, micro-climate, or sound environment which either temporarily or permanently impairs the function(s) of the residence of one of more individuals.

Activities that may damage or destroy the roost site include, but are not limited to:

• changing the micro-climate of the roost site (e.g., repairs to a chimney or structure that change air flow and temperature)
• modifying the roost site (e.g. by lining the interior of a chimney with metal)
• blocking access to the roost site
• moving or otherwise disturbing the roost site
• destroying the roost site, or
• any other activity that would negatively affect the function of the structure used for roosting

Period and frequency of occupancy

Chimney Swifts begin to arrive in Canada at the end of April or in early May (Steeves et al. 2014) and typically occupy roost sites until their departure for southbound migration in late summer/ early fall. They migrate south from their breeding grounds between the end of August and the end of September, depending on the latitude, with some birds in south-western Ontario staying until mid-late October (Gauthier et al. 2007).

Under SARA, the structure used for roosting is considered a residence throughout the year because the Chimney Swift is likely to return every year to the same structure. Roost fidelity among Chimney Swifts is strong, as demonstrated by the fact that roost sites are used for several consecutive years or even decades (Gauthier et al. 2007). The roost sites remain residences throughout the year, until there is documented evidence that the species has not used the roosting structure for three consecutive years. This period was determined based on evidence that the Chimney Swift will reuse a structure even after a two-year absence period and sometimes more than 2 years (ECCC 2019). Absence must be confirmed using a standard protocol by one of the Chimney Swift Monitoring programs in Canada or the National Chimney Swift Roost Survey Protocol, and monitoring must take place throughout the breeding season and during the migration period.

Additional information

For more information on the Chimney Swift, go to:
https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/951-650

For more information on SARA, go to:
http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=24F7211B-1

Recommended Citation

Please cite this document as:
Government of Canada. Species at Risk Public Registry. Residence Descriptions. Description of Residence for the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) in Canada. August 2023.
https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/documents/667

References

Coffey, B.B. Jr. 1936. Chimney Swift migration at Memphis. The Migrant 7:78-82, 96-98.

COSEWIC 2018. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. xii + 63 pp. (http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=en&n=24F7211B-1).

Dexter, R. W. (1969). Banding and nesting studies of the Chimney Swift, 1944-1968. Ohio Journal of Science. 69:193-213.

Dexter, R. W. 1992. Sociality of Chimney Swifts (Chaetura pelagica) nesting in a colony. North American Bird Bander. 17: 61-64.

Drushka, K. 2000. Canada’s Forests: A History Forest History Society. McGill-Queens-University Press, 162 pp.

Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2019. Chimney Swift occupied structures timing analysis, Quebec region. Canadian Wildlife Service, Quebec Region, Canada.

Environnement et Changement climatique Canada. 2022. Programme de rétablissement du Martinet ramoneur (Chaetura pelagica) au Canada [Proposition], Série de Programmes de rétablissement de la Loi sur les espèces en péril, Environnement et Changement climatique Canada, Ottawa, xii + 159 p.

Erskine, A. J. 1992. Atlas of breeding birds of the Maritime Provinces. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Museum.

Fischer, R. B., 1958. The breeding biology of the Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus). New York State Museum and Science Service. Bulletin 368: 141.

Fleckenstein, J. 1996. Chimney Swift. In The Iowa breeding bird atlas, p. 200-201. L.S. Jackson, C.A. Thompson and J.J. Dinsmore, editors. University of Iowa Press, Iowa city, 484 pp.

Gauthier, J., M. Dionne, C. Maurice, J. Potvin, M.D. Cadman, and D. Busby. 2007. Status of the Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) in Canada. Technical Report Series No. 477, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Quebec City. xiv + 119 pp.

Godfrey, W. E. 1986. The Birds of Canada. Revised Edition. National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa, 595 pp.

Lack, D. 1956. A review of the genera and nesting habits of swifts. Auk 73:1-32.

Leverett, R. 1996. Definition and history. In Eastern Old-growth forests: prospect for rediscovery and recovery. Edited by Mary Bird Davis. Island Press, Washington, 383 pp.

MacNamara, C. 1918. The Chimney Swift. Ottawa Naturalist. 32:39-42.

Snow, D.W. and C.M. Perrins. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1008 pp.

Steeves, Tanner K., Shannon B. Kearney-McGee, Margaret A. Rubega, Calvin L. Cink and Charles T. Collins. 2020. Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), version 1.0 In Birds of the World (A. F. Poole, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.chiswi.01

Tufts, R.W. 1986. Birds of Nova Scotia. Third Edition. Nimbus Publ. and the Nova Scotia Museum. Halifax, NS. 478 pp.