Swift tower construction is an effort to reverse the species’ population decline. Many towers are needed because only one pair of birds breeds at each site—despite the fact that hundreds of swifts may share the same space for resting at night. This behavior, combined with the decrease in “swift-friendly” chimneys, is one of many threats facing the species.
Each of the 12-foot “Swifts in the City” towers can provide a home for about 250 swifts and a nesting site for one pair.
The project has brought together volunteers from SAS and Stone Belt (organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities) as well as local craftspeople, schools, teachers, businesses, the Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation, and scouting groups. SAS has funded three towers.
Support for the “Swifts in the City” project is funded in part by an Elinor Ostrom Program Grant awarded to Hite. Distinguished Professor Ellen Ketterson, an avian biologist, serves as faculty sponsor of the project.
Learn more about the Swifts in the City project