Swifts & Swallows in New Hampshire
When it comes to birds in New Hampshire, the showy species tend to get most of the attention. I often hear from people excited to share sightings of bald eagles, loons, and great blue herons, or to ask about attracting cardinals and bluebirds to their yards. Yet some of New Hampshire’s most fascinating and acrobatic birds are the ones that dart and swoop right above our heads, often without us realizing just how important they are - swifts and swallows.
Barn Swallow. Photo by Matt Tarr.
New Hampshire is home to 7 species of swifts and swallows - Chimney Swifts, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Bank Swallows, Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martins, and Cliff Swallows are among the most agile flyers in the state. These birds are aerial insectivores and spend their days on the wing, catching insects mid-air and performing aerial maneuvers that few other birds can match. Their eating habits mean they play a big role in controlling flying insect populations, including mosquitoes and crop pests. But like many species that rely on specific habitats and structures, their numbers have been declining in recent decades.
Swifts and swallows depend on a range of habitats. Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows often nest on manmade structures such as barns, bridges, and culverts. Tree Swallows mostly use nest boxes near open water. Chimney Swifts, true to their name, nest and roost in chimneys - though as older chimneys are capped or removed, these specialized birds struggle to find suitable spots. Bank Swallows, meanwhile, nest in sandy riverbanks and gravel pits.
Swifts and swallows are typically found foraging for insects in open habitats, like fields and wetlands. Photo by Matt Tarr.
Protecting and restoring habitat is key to supporting these species. Leaving old barns or chimneys uncapped, installing nest boxes, and maintaining open fields and shorelines all help. Even small actions - like supporting insects in your backyard - can make a difference.
To help residents recognize and support these incredible birds, Taking Action for Wildlife has released a new resource - Swifts and Swallows of New Hampshire, part of the Focus on Wildlife brochure series.
This brochure highlights the seven species of swifts and swallows found in New Hampshire, their behaviors, habitats, and conservation needs. It also offers practical tips for landowners and communities looking to contribute to their conservation.
Whether you’re watching swallows skim over a pond at dusk or hearing the chittering calls of Chimney Swifts circling above town, these birds are a vital part of New Hampshire’s summer landscape. By understanding their needs and making a few small changes, we can help ensure their aerial displays continue for generations to come.
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