CJ Wildlife - Swallow Nest Cup

These amazing birds feed on airborne insects so they have to follow the warm weather southwards every autumn. Swallows head for the southern tip of Africa for the winter. They make the return journey every spring arriving in April. When they arrive, their first priority is to find a nest site but, sadly, this is becoming harder as old buildings are demolished or repaired, farm buildings are secured or converted and some established nests are even deliberately removed in 'tidy-up' operations.

Fortunately, Swallows will use a special open nest box in an enclosed area such as a porch or outbuilding. A Swallow Nest should be sited inside a building which allows easy access for the birds via an open door or window, such as a garage or outhouse. The male Swallow will circle above his chosen nest site, singing to attract a female.

A minimum distance of 1m between nest cups is suggested. To ensure the swallows have enough room in the nest cup and when arriving and leaving there should be at least 6 cm free space above the nest cup.

What to expect: Swallows