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Chimney Swifts in Pittsburgh: What Homeowners Should Know
Chimney swifts are common in Western PA, and if you’ve heard chirping or fluttering inside your chimney, these tiny birds may be the reason. They aren’t pests — but they can certainly cause confusion for homeowners who don’t know the laws surrounding them.
Chimney Swifts
What Are Chimney Swifts?
Chimney swifts are federally protected migratory birds that nest in vertical structures like chimneys. They show up in late spring and stay until early fall.
You’ll usually notice:
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A soft chattering or fluttering sound
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Increased activity at dusk
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Nesting materials dropping into the firebox
Are They Dangerous?
Not at all — but they cannot be removed while nesting, because they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Removing them, disturbing them, or destroying an active nest is illegal.
What If Chimney Swifts Are in My Chimney?
If we confirm swifts are inside your flue, we’ll monitor the situation and return after they migrate to clean, inspect, and secure the chimney so they don’t return next season.
When Can They Legally Be Removed?
Once the young birds leave the nest and migrate, typically late summer to early fall.
How We Handle Chimney Swift Situations
Our team will:
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Inspect the chimney
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Confirm the presence of swifts
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Provide a timeline for safe removal
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Schedule cleaning and repairs after migration
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Install a cap to prevent future nesting