Knowledge Bank

Over 25 years 1700 chimney swifts were banded. Of this number, 274 became summer residents in 38 air-shafts located in four buildings at Kent State University. Returns averaged 41.5 per year (total of 996 return records by 318 birds). As many as 55 returns from 11 year-classes were recorded annually. Known ages ranged from one to 13 years (average 4.6); 19 swifts lived 10 years or more. Sex ratios and body weight (aver. 24.45 gm) were equal by sex. Twelve recoveries were made, including reciprocal recoveries from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Rome, Georgia. Tables and charts give data on the annual cycle, nesting groups and their changes from year to year, and analysis of nesting behavior.

The swifts distribute themselves as widely as conditions permit, tend to remain mated to previous mate if both return, and tend to nest in same shaft from year to year. The nest is made at an average depth in the air-shaft of 22 ft, most often on the wider wall, with a preference for south and west walls, and the nests, one in a shaft, are never successfully used the following year. Six breeding histories are briefly sketched, including two pairs which remained mated to each other for over eight and nine years respectively.