how long do swallows/swifts nest for please?

sharontodd · #1 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 10:51 AM

Can anyone tell me how long swallows (i think - white belly and forked tail) nest for. Do birds generally nest in a building then move away after a certain time. Have had these birds and a variety of others nesting in roof next to me since may and wanted to know how long before or if they move on please?

Mr Mag00 · #2 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 11:28 AM

Hi, our swallows here are still nesting the latest hatchlings are about 1 week old. they will continue to nest and lay as long as the weather is conducive to do so, unfortunately this normally means they leave behind some young when they decide to leave. last year our last fledglings flew from the nest in the first week of september.
swifts have all fledged they are still in the area feeding but it seems they are around less and less during the day.

Dae · #3 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 11:34 AM

Swifts I think leave for their migration in august. And I think the swallows, sand martins, and house martins have a few broods between May and October before they head out on their migration in October.

sanderling · #4 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 10:48 PM

Swallows have a far longer nesting period than Swifts..

Swallows arrive from March and some even staying as late as November enabling the possibility of raising several broods during the nesting period....

Swifts do not usually arrive until late April / May or June,depending on the weather etc. and then they fly back to Africa again in early August - this usually only gives enough time for one brood sometimes allowing for a replacement if the first brood fails...