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Re: Chimney Swift questions

From:

"George M. Jett"

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Tue, 25 May 2004 17:38:14 -0400

Charlie

The Birds of North America indicates that Chimney Swift (No. 646, 2002) do
not nest colonially.

From page one, "When they (Chimney Swifts) return to North America in March
or April as flocks, pairs of birds soon break away to individual nest sites
in chimneys or walls of abandoned buildings."  From page 2, "Large flocks of
unmated birds commonly roost together in large chimneys throughout the
summer, often leading to the misconception that the birds are nesting as a
colony."  Both parents may brood, and Chimney Swifts are know to have
helpers as well, but your flock is likely non-breeding birds.

Interesting reading the Birds of North America.  I bought myself a set as a
retirement present.  Well worth the money.

Hope this helps.

George


----- Original Message -----
From: "Charles Vaughn" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 5:05 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Chimney Swift questions


> I don't have the Birds of North America monograph on the Chimney Swift,
nor
> Bent, to check for answers to the following questions. Can anyone help?
>
> Am I correct in assuming that the Chimney Swift nests colonially?
>
> If they don't nest colonially, do they roost colonially away from the
> nesting site even after nests have been built, but before eggs are laid?
>
> During brooding, does the non-brooding (probably male) member of a pair
> roost in the nest chimney, or does it go to a colonial roost with other
> non-brooders and, perhaps, non-breeders?
>
> There is presently a roost of ca. 30+ (I didn't stand around and do a full
> count) birds in a local church chimney. The species is well within the
safe
> dates for the Atlas. Hence the questions.
>
> Charles Vaughn
> 1306 Frederick Avenue
> Salisbury, MD 21801
>