Chimney Swifts in New Hampshire
When chimney swifts are present in New Hampshire, when they nest, which native New Hampshire plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–6a yard.
- Status in New Hampshire
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–6a
When to expect chimney swifts in New Hampshire
Chimney Swifts are summer residents in New Hampshire, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on flies, beetles, ants and aphids in flight.
Humid continental, with the White Mountains dividing the southern lowlands from northern forest.
Nesting in New Hampshire
Across New Hampshire, chimney swifts typically nest from June–July. Nest site: half-cup of twigs glued with saliva inside chimneys. Females lay 4–5 eggs, incubate for 16–21 days, and young leave the nest after 28–30 days.
Mild summers; nesting starts late May.
- Chimney Swifts don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, white oak, black cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Hampshire plants that attract chimney swifts
Of the regional native plants we track for New Hampshire, these 8 provide food or cover chimney swifts use:
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Lipid-rich red fruit fuels fall migrants.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Feeding chimney swifts through the New Hampshire year
Leave an uncapped masonry chimney open April–October, or build a swift tower; populations have fallen by roughly two-thirds since 1966.
- Best foods: .
- In New Hampshire's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are chimney swifts in New Hampshire year-round?
No. Chimney Swifts are summer breeders in New Hampshire and leave for the winter.
When do chimney swifts nest in New Hampshire?
Nesting in New Hampshire typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 16–21 days.
What native plants attract chimney swifts in New Hampshire?
Serviceberry, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Spicebush, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in New Hampshire that provide food or cover for chimney swifts.
Chimney Swifts in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Hampshire
Sources
- Chimney Swift — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Chimney Swift life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Chimney Swift — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Hampshire
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.