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A closeup of the swift. |
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If you need bird removal in your hometown, click for the National Directory of
Bird Control Companies that I've carefully compiled in every USA city.
Chimney Swifts in the Chimney
Chimney swifts are small and unique birds that are often confused with bats. While their behavior is similar to a bat, they are quite different. A chimney swift will resemble a cigar when flying around. Most people will assume that they have a bat problem when they see them. However, a chimney swift will have short tails, and plumage that is greyish brown with paler breasts, under wings and rump.
The breeding season of chimney swifts is usually May through June. This is when chimney swifts will search for a place to nest. Chimney swifts will usually breed in large trees that are hollow, but are also commonly found in chimneys. They are mostly found in chimneys that are made of brick, stone or masonry flue tiles. If the chimney has mortared joints, it is even better for the chimney swifts to nest.
The most interesting fact about chimney swifts is that they do not perch. They instead use their claws to hold themselves on the walls of a chimney and other surfaces that are vertical. If you suspect you have swifts in your chimney, you may need to discover them, in a similar method as you would search for bats. You should go outside at dusk and watch to see if the swifts are coming in and out of your chimney.
If you find that there are swifts inside your chimney, you may need to contact a professional pest removal service, especially if you discover swifts that are young or injured. If you find eggs in your chimney, you will need to wait at least six weeks before you can have your chimney cleaned. If the birds are young, you may need to wait at least four. If you cannot wait that long you will need to hire a professional team. You should never try to remove eggs or young swifts on your own.
The most commonly dealt with bird problem in the US is that of pigeons roosting on buildings. Feral pigeons tend to live in urban areas, and they prefer to roost on and in buildings, where they leave nesting material, feathers, parasites, and
worst of all, their unsanitary and corrosive droppings. The only way to
permanently solve such problems is to install bird exclusion materials, such as bird spikes or netting. Bird trapping is also an option, but it's usually a poor and temporary
fix. In addition to pigeons, other birds can cause problems in certain other situations: woodpeckers damaging houses, sparrows stuck inside retail spaces, Chimney Swifts nesting inside chimneys, etc.
If you want to learn more, please read my How To Get Rid of Birds page.
AAAnimal Control is a privately owned wildlife removal and pest control business, located in Orlando Florida. I deal strictly with wild animals including bird, especially pigeons roosting on buildings or in attics, as well as geese, woodpeckers, starlings, etc. I am not an extermination company, but a critter removal
and control specialist. The above photos are some of the many that I've taken in the field over my years of work. Please email me if
you have any questions about the above photographs, or any questions about
wildlife problems or bird removal issues.
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