Why do swifts fall from their nests?

During the hot summer months, young swifts often leave their nests prematurely due to high temperatures in concrete apartment buildings. It is important to know that a swift cannot take off from the ground due to its specific anatomy – long wings and short legs.

If you see a fallen swift, do not walk past it, but do not throw it into the air either!

What to do if you find a bird?

  • Safety: Place the bird in a box with air holes in a dark and quiet place.
  • Feeding: Do not offer random food! Swifts eat only insects – any other food can be fatal.
  • Forbidden: Never throw the bird into the air to make it fly – if it is exhausted or injured, the impact with the ground will be fatal.

Who to contact?

Contact a specialist or the nearest office of the RIEW (Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water) immediately. Specialists from the Green Balkans Rescue Center remind that the most successful method for the survival of the young is returning them to another swift's nest, where they can be raised by foster parents.