Keeping Chimney Swifts at Bay
Who would have thought that even a bird could be named after the chimney? It’s a funny story but you’ll be delighted to know that the name – chimney swifts – is the perfect way to describe every aspect of this bird’s life. These are actual birds named after chimneys because they always seem to find a way into your chimney. They just love the cozy feel of it. This is what you need to know about these federally protected birds. Do not attempt to remove these birds, as this is against the law.
These birds are protected by the 1918 Migratory Bird Act.
General Information on Chimney Swifts
Chimney swifts are birds that are small in figure and have long, narrow curved wings. They are often dubbed as the “flying cigar” for obvious reasons. Their heads are round and their necks and tails are short and tapered. Their bill is also short and can sometimes be difficult to see. They come in a specific dark brown almost black color and they can live up to as long as fourteen years.
They make sounds when they fly around and spend most of their lives in the sky. They only go to land when they feed or when they start to breed. This is where the chimneys come in. Chimney swifts see open chimneys as the perfect breeding place where it can enjoy the warmth of the chimney and protect itself from the weather especially when the winter season starts.
They are typically found in the Northern part of America and fly together throughout the north coast. They have no problem sharing the chimney that they are in with other birds that also need to nest. They usually bunch up in one chimney and fly in circles around it until such time that the chimney opening is already full.
How to Solve the Problem?
Chimney swifts are beautiful to look at – just not in our chimneys, right? So to solve this problem and to prevent them from entering the chimney opening, we recommend you get a chimney cap installed. Chimney caps were designed to avert debris, water or any object to enter the inside of your chimney. They serve as a barrier for things that attempt to block the inside. Of course, chimney swifts are no exception to this.
Our company, Tri County Hearth and Patio Center, offer only the best kinds of fireplaces that will guarantee a well-functioning yet equally stylish home heating system to suit your needs. Contact us today, we have the best brands and quality equipment to offer you and your home.