What’s That Noise in My Chimney? Meet the Chimney Swift – A Protected Feathered Guest”
If you've recently heard strange chattering, fluttering, or squeaking noises coming from your chimney, you're not alone. In the Triad area and across much of North Carolina, these sounds often mean one thing: chimney swifts have moved in.
What Are Chimney Swifts?
Chimney swifts are small, cigar-shaped birds with long, narrow wings. They’re often seen swooping through the air in rapid, acrobatic flight as they feast on flying insects. These birds are unique because they can’t perch like typical songbirds – instead, they cling vertically to rough surfaces, like the inside of chimneys or hollow trees.
Why Are They in My Chimney?
Historically, chimney swifts nested in large hollow trees. But as forests were cleared for development, they adapted by using manmade structures – particularly chimneys – as nesting sites. Their sticky, cup-shaped nests cling to the chimney walls, providing a safe place for their young.
If your chimney is uncapped, it's basically an open invitation to swifts looking for a cozy spot to raise their next brood.
Are Chimney Swifts Dangerous?
Not at all – they don’t damage chimneys or pose a health risk. But their constant chittering can be noisy, especially early in the morning or around sunset. And while they don’t bring nesting materials like squirrels or raccoons, they can leave behind droppings, which might require cleanup after the nesting season.
Are They Protected?
Yes! Chimney swifts are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means:
You cannot remove or disturb chimney swifts, their eggs, or their nests during the nesting season (spring through summer).
Any removal or exclusion efforts must be done before or after the birds have left the nest.
Fines and legal penalties can apply for disturbing protected birds without a permit.
So What Can You Do?
If chimney swifts are nesting in your chimney, the best (and legal) option is to wait it out. Once the young birds fledge and the family migrates south in the fall, you can then:
Have the chimney professionally cleaned.
Install a chimney cap to prevent future visitors.
Consider installing a swift tower on your property if you’d like to support their population but keep your chimney bird-free.
Need Help?
At Triad Wildlife Experts, we’re experienced in identifying protected species like chimney swifts and guiding homeowners on how to handle wildlife responsibly and legally. We’ll help assess your situation and determine the best course of action — and if the swifts have already left, we can help with cleaning, exclusion, and prevention.
