Swifts are small birds in the Apodidae family known for their fast and agile flight. There are around 100 species of swifts worldwide, with most species found in tropical regions. However, some species regularly migrate to temperate regions like Canada during the summer breeding season. In this article, we will examine whether swifts can be found in Canada and which species occur there.
Overview of swifts
Swifts are aerial insectivores, meaning they catch and eat insects while in flight. They have long, curved wings and short legs that allow them to stay aloft for incredibly long periods. Swifts are one of the fastest flying bird species, capable of reaching speeds over 100 km/hr. Most swifts build nests on cliffs or inside chimneys and other human structures. Swifts spend nearly their entire lives in the air, even drinking, bathing, mating, and sleeping on the wing. The one exception is during breeding when they nest, often in large communal colonies. After a short breeding season, swifts migrate long distances to wintering grounds in the tropics. Of the 100 swift species worldwide, only a handful regularly occur in Canada.
Swifts that breed in Canada
Four species of swifts breed in Canada during the summer months and migrate to Central and South America for the winter. These include:
Chimney swift
The chimney swift is the most common and widespread swift in eastern North America. It is a small, cigar-shaped bird about 12-14 cm long with a wingspan around 29-33 cm. Chimney swifts are a uniform dark color with a slightly paler throat. As their name suggests, these swifts nest in chimneys, as well as other human structures like air vents or wells. They form large communal nesting colonies, building bracket-shaped nests out of twigs glued together with saliva. Chimney swifts breed across southern Canada from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. Their breeding range closely overlaps with the eastern deciduous forest. They migrate through Central America to wintering grounds in northwestern South America.
Vaux’s swift
The Vaux’s swift is a close relative of the chimney swift found along the Pacific Coast. It is slightly larger at 14 cm long with a 32-36 cm wingspan. Vaux’s swifts also nest in chimneys and other structures in large colonies. However, they are also known to nest on cliffs and in large hollow trees. Vaux’s swifts breed throughout southwestern British Columbia into the interior plateau. Their wintering grounds extend from southern California through Mexico to Panama.
Black swift
The black swift is aptly named for its entirely blackish-brown plumage. At about 15 cm long with a 40 cm wingspan, it is the largest swift in Canada. Black swifts breed along the Pacific Coast from Alaska through British Columbia. They nest on cliffs, usually behind or adjacent to waterfalls. After breeding, these swifts migrate down the coasts to winter along the western slopes of the Andes Mountains in South America.
White-throated swift
As their name suggests, white-throated swifts have a prominent white throat patch contrasting with otherwise dark plumage. They are small, around 12-14 cm long with a wingspan of 27-31 cm. In Canada, white-throated swifts breed in British Columbia in the interior plateau region. They nest on cliff faces, sometimes communally. Their wintering range includes parts of California, Arizona, and Mexico.
Rare/Accidental swift species
In addition to regular breeding swifts, a couple other swift species may turn up rarely or as spring overshoots in Canada:
Chimney swift
Chimney swifts have on extremely rare occasions been sighted in the prairie provinces of Canada during spring migration. Most records are within 100 km of the Canada-U.S. border. It is possible these are early arriving individuals overshooting their normal breeding range.
Common swift
The common swift breeds across Europe and western Asia. It is an extremely rare vagrant to eastern Canada, mainly in Atlantic provinces like Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Since 2015 there have been a couple records of common swifts spotted during spring migration along with other swift species.
Why swifts migrate to Canada
Canada provides ideal breeding habitat for migratory swifts for a few key reasons:
- Abundant insect prey – The surge of insects in the northern summer provides ample food for swifts.
- Nest sites – Swifts need structures like cliffs, chimneys, and large hollow trees to nest and breed.
- Long summer days – Extended daylight hours in the north allows more time for breeding and feeding chicks.
Canada’s southerly regions have warm enough summers for swifts to successfully nest and fledge chicks. At the same time, it is far enough north to provide excellent feeding opportunities that fuel breeding. After breeding, swifts migrate south again to spend winters in more hospitable southern climates.
Threats to swifts in Canada
While Canadian summers provide excellent breeding habitat, swifts still face threats during nesting season, including:
- Nest site disturbance – Human activities may disturb cliff, chimney, or hollow tree nests.
- Pesticide use – Swifts may ingest pesticide residue when feeding on insects.
- Extreme weather – Cold snaps or heavy rain can kill chicks and eggs.
- Predation – Hawks, owls, snakes and other predators may raid nests.
Researchers advise minimizing nest disturbances during breeding season and avoiding pesticide use where swifts are actively foraging. Providing artificial nest boxes can also help supplement natural nesting sites.
Swift conservation in Canada
Swifts are listed as priority bird species for conservation under the Canadian Federal Migratory Birds Convention. Some specific efforts to protect swifts include:
Legal protections
All swift species are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act which prohibits harming or destroying individuals, nests or eggs. Fines for violations can be up to $1 million CAD.
Habitat conservation
Important swift breeding habitats are protected, like waterfalls used by black swifts and old-growth forests for Vaux’s swifts. Cliff nesting sites may be closed during breeding.
Research and monitoring
Scientists track swift populations and reproduction to identify threats and develop conservation strategies. Banding provides migration data.
Education
Outreach campaigns like International Vaux’s Swift Day teach the public about chimney nesting species and how to support them.
Nest structures
Artificial chimney and boxes provide safe nesting sites and make up for lost natural habitat. Grates can be installed to prevent birds entering chimneys.
Fun facts about Canadian swifts
- Chimney swifts emit a loud twittering when flying to communicate with flock members.
- Vaux’s swifts fly nearly 1,000 km nonstop over the Pacific Ocean during fall migration.
- Black swifts can fly for hours, or even days, without stopping by gliding and napping on the wing.
- White-throated swifts beat their wings up to 200 times per minute in flight.
Conclusion
In summary, while swifts are migratory species that breed in Canada, their populations here are vulnerable. Protecting summering and nesting habitat is key to conservation. Chimney and Vaux’s swifts rely on human structures for nest sites, so responsible stewardship of these species by homeowners is important. Ongoing research and monitoring provides data to guide effective swift conservation plans across Canada. The aerial ballet of swifts gathering insects will hopefully continue to grace Canadian summer skies for years to come.
