Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
APODIDAE Members:
General Comments
The Chimney Swift is one of the most "unique" species in eastern North America, as no other bird in this region shares its nesting habits and behavior. Of course, there are many very similar swifts in its genus elsewhere in the New World, but no other bird in the state nests in chimneys, nor flies for much of the day without ever perching (other than once inside a chimney). It is also remarkable in its migration timing; no other bird in the state is as punctual in spring and fall (within a few specific dates each year) arrival/departure. In fact, swifts can be numerous on one day in mid-Oct, and then all are gone the next day or two. Though the occasional swift may nest inside a large hollow tree in a swamp -- its historical nesting sites -- essentially all swifts in the state breed in chimneys, usually in cities and towns. From these sites, swifts forage over all types of habitats, including cities, farm fields, and over forests. After nesting, large groups of swifts may roost communally in a handful of tall chimneys. Populations appear to be in slow decline across its large range, though it is still a common bird in the state in most regions. A notable decline in flying insects, fed upon by swifts, goatsuckers, swallows, and some other birds that feed on the wing, is the primary reason. The loss of suitable chimneys for nesting is another factor; many are being capped, and many or most new homes are now built without chimneys.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
The species' status on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina: either Definitive, Provisional, or Extinct, as administered by the NC Bird Records Committee. The Provisional List contains species for which there are less than three accepted sight (i.e., non-documented) records. Species of unaccepted origin are not included on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina.
Definitive
State Status
W
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5B
Global Rank
G4G5
Coastal Plain
Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) throughout the province, except absent to uncommon on coastal islands; apparently does not nest in the Cape Hatteras area. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct, with very few dates outside this span; earliest date: 2, Wilmington, 22 Mar 1987; latest date: 2, Rocky Mount, 15 Nov 2009. Peak counts: 100, Portsmouth Island, 2 May 1993 -- presumably a migratory flock.
Piedmont
Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) throughout the province, though perhaps slightly less numerous in remote foothill areas. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. Late date: 2, Winston-Salem, 10 Nov 1966. Peak counts: an estimated 17,000 at a roost in downtown Winston-Salem, 7 Sep 2014; 13,000 at the same site, 17 Sep 2015; 4,000, Winston-Salem, 14 May 2003; 1,000, North Wilkesboro, 9 Oct 1958; 800, Falls Lake, 10 Oct 1987.
Mountain
Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) in lower elevations (below 2,500 feet), and fairly common in the remainder of the province, though scarce above 5,000 feet. Perhaps nests in hollow trees in parts of the mountains. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. Five at Brevard (Transylvania) were very late on 9 Nov 2025. Peak counts: ?.
Finding Tips
****
None needed; easily found in the warmer months.