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Swifts fly over the Western Wall in Jerusalem : NPR
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Common swifts have nested in the cracks of Jerusalem's Western Wall and other holy sites for thousands of years, coexisting closely with humans.
- These birds migrate thousands of miles annually to return to the same nesting sites, often reuniting with lifelong mates.
- In Israel, Iranian missile strikes have disrupted swift nesting sites this year, contributing to their decline alongside challenges faced across Europe.
- Modern building designs with smooth glass and sealed structures reduce available nesting spaces for swifts, threatening their populations.
- Simple interventions like installing wooden boxes or hollow bricks can help provide nesting sites, supporting the birds' survival and their distinctive "screaming party" flight behavior.
