Swallows have sadly been in decline for many decades, with populations across Europe seeing greatly reduced numbers since the 1970s. This decline can be attributed to a variety of factors, including reduced numbers of flying insects, which are the Swallow’s only food source. Additionally, climate change is thought to be a contributing factor to their decline, as it affects weather conditions during migration season.
However, a further reason is reduced nesting sites because of the loss of old farm buildings and modern architecture generally. So adding this artificial Swallow Nest to the inside of an accessible building which Swallows might otherwise not be able to find a suitable ledge to build a nest on, can help with the problem.
Keeping a Swallow Nest on a high wall, such as in an open garage or carport, will encourage Swallows to build their nests there. The swallows may even decide to add mud and plant fibres, such as grass, to the wood-concrete cup.
The shape of the cup is ideal for Swallows to add their own nesting materials to. It is though possible that a few other species might use it such as Robin or Pied wagtail.
Swallows typically return to the UK from mid-April onwards, and, interestingly, it is the males which return first and will fairly quickly establish a breeding territory. Nest building starts shortly after and once a mate has been found – which may be the same female as the previous year or even an offspring.
The Swallow Nest should be sited high up and inside a building such as a garage or out-building which allows constant easy access. This is due to the Swallow’s instinct to always nest inside some sort of building, and somewhere high up which is safe from predators.
Swallows start to arrive back on our shores during early April, though it’s likely to be early May before they take up a nest site. If another bird species such as Robin uses the nest cup, then it could be as early as March.
It needs to be as high as possible on a wall on the inside of a building such as a garage - and note the door must be left open at all times - a carport, farm building or other outbuildings.
Yes there is a tendency for Swallows to return to the same nest, or at least the same area they previously nested in.
The direction doesn’t matter as the artificial nest should only be put inside of an open building, and therefore it will be out of direct sunlight and rain. That said, for visibility and ease of access for the Swallows, it makes sense to position the nest directly opposite the entrance to the building.
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