Louisville, KY — The Chimney Swifts are back. These federally protected birds migrate to Kentucky every spring to nest inside masonry chimneys.

Important: If you hear “chittering” sounds in your fireplace, the birds have likely already moved in. It is illegal to remove them or cap the chimney while they are nesting. You must wait until they migrate south in the fall (usually September/October).

If your chimney is currently empty, install a cap immediately to prevent them from entering. Once they establish a nest, they will return to the same chimney every year.

What is a Chimney Swift?

Chimney Swifts are small, cigar-shaped birds that spend almost their entire lives in flight. They cannot perch on branches like other birds. Instead, they have specialized claws that allow them to cling to vertical surfaces like the inside of a hollow tree or a chimney.

As natural hollow trees have disappeared, swifts have adapted to using masonry chimneys as their primary nesting sites.

The Law

Chimney Swifts are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is a federal offense to damage or remove their nests, eggs, or young.

If you have swifts in your chimney:

1. Do Not Use the Fireplace: Smoke will kill the birds.
2. Close the Damper: This will keep the birds (and any debris) out of your living room while allowing them to use the flue.
3. Wait: The nesting season is relatively short. By late summer or early fall, the birds will migrate to South America.

Prevention

The only legal way to deal with Chimney Swifts is prevention. Once they leave in the fall, you should:

1. Clean the Chimney: Have a chimney sweep remove the old nests and debris.
2. Install a Cap: Install a stainless steel chimney cap with a screen. This prevents swifts, raccoons, squirrels, and bats from entering.

If you need a chimney cap installed, contact Critter Removal of Louisville. We use high-quality stainless steel caps that are guaranteed to keep wildlife out.