Nest Places in Eaves

Suggestions for simple conversion and adaptation of eaves and lofts spaces to house Swifts cleanly and without fuss. By using the principles and dimensions of the designs below, existing eaves nest spaces can be saved, and new ones created. Ideally, all nest-places should be out of direct sunlight. Where nest-places within direct sunlight are being replaced, care should be taken to respect the original dimensions, as these (for example the depth inside the eaves) may have kept the site cool enough to permit successful breeding. Minimum nest place dimensions are 30cm wide by 50cm long by 20cm high. A sloping roof of lesser height is acceptable as long as there is adequate space further back for the Swifts to be able to flap their wings. The entrance hole can be any size from 30mm to 50mm, round or oval, in either the base or side wall of the nest space. An oval hole 33mm high by 55mm wide is ideal and should exclude Starlings and Pigeons. N.B. The loft area's ventilation and insulation should if necessary be examined and assured by experts before starting work. Ventilation benefits Swifts, who often suffer from overheated nest places. Swift nest places in existing "open" eaves. Boxing in the loft space adjacent to the eaves to create a nest space just within the loft replicates the existing nesting spaces used by the Swifts, but formalises them, making them safer from intrusion and predation. It limits the birds' access to only a small part of the loft interior, while maintaining the loft ventilation inherent in the original design. Insulation values can be improved by installing rigid insulation board in the Swifts nesting space, while using loose fibre glass insulation outside their nest areas, as shown below. Designing-in Swift nest places in new eaves.  This solution uses exterior quality plywood to box in the eaves, providing a base floor and internal partitions, with entrance holes drilled in the underside or front face to give access to each nest-space. It can be easily adapted to suit a very wide range of pitched and flat-roofed buildings, provided they have overhanging eaves and these are 5 metres or more above ground. Back to Installing Swift Nest Places                    Back to Contents