Swift Nest Box with Underside Entrance

This swift nest box gives swifts a substitute for the cliffs and rock faces they would nest in naturally, in the same way they use the eaves of houses. Once swifts have settled in they return faithfully to the same site, and they make charming, discreet summer visitors.

Key Features

• Entrance hole positioned on the underside of the box
• In testing, swifts favoured this style of entrance, while Starlings and House Sparrows were put off from moving in
• Opening at the rear for straightforward cleaning
• Metal wall bracket: the box simply slides on and is held securely
• Large hole in the back where the plate fixes, making it easier to fit a camera
• No nesting material required

How to Use

Siting

• Choose the location, then fix the metal bracket to the wall and slide the nest box over it.
• Mount near the eaves at a height of at least 5 metres, ideally directly beneath a roof overhang or gutter.
• Pick a spot shaded from direct sunlight with an unobstructed flight path, and make sure the box does not face into direct sun.
• Grouping several boxes together is beneficial, as swifts nest in colonies.

Maintenance

• Swifts are very clean birds, so the box only needs cleaning if another species has used it.
• Check the fixings from time to time to make sure they remain secure.

Applications

• Providing nest sites for swifts on buildings, under eaves, roof overhangs or gutters
• Creating swift colonies by installing multiple boxes together

Specifications

• Target species: swifts
• Entrance: underside of the box
• Cleaning access: opening at the back
• Mounting: metal wall bracket (box slides over it)
• Recommended mounting height: at least 5 metres