Room with a view

Nesting boxes on churches, chapels and cathedrals

All birds construct nests in which to lay eggs and/or raise offspring. 

The selection of a safe nesting site is very important. Whilst many of our common garden birds next in trees, some species favor tall, rocky places for their nests. For these, the walls, roofs and decorative stonework of churches and cathedrals can be ideal roosting spots.

Peregrine falcons

Until recently, the peregrine falcon was only found in the north and west of the UK. It is our biggest falcon, dark slate-grey and white with black bars across its chest and belly. It has a dapper black moustache and mask.

Peregrines historically nest on mountain crags a cliff faces. But, like many of our birds of prey, the peregrine falcon was so persecuted, numbers fell dramatically. This speedy flyer is now making a comeback, finding nesting sites on many cathedrals. They have installed nesting boxes and even live cameras, so that visitors can sneek a peek at nesting season.

Swifts

Swifts look rather like swallows, but are actually related more closely to hummingbirds. They feed, drink, mate and sleep on the wing and fly up to 3000m high, reaching speeds of about 70mph. After leaving the nest, young swifts will not land for three or four years until they have matured and are ready to breed. Swifts pair for life and return to the same nest sites year after year.

The number of swifts breeding in the UK is falling. Renovation of buildings has removed many nesting places and reductions in the numbers of insects may also have taken a toll. The good news is that cathedrals, churches and chapels often have suitable nesting places and the churchyard can make a good hunting ground. More and more churches have installed swift boxes.

Below is a map of nesting boxes on churches and cathedrals, including links to live cameras if they are available.

Oh, and by the way ...

What kind of bird looks after a church?

A cardinal of course!