Chimneys are a cozy place for birds to build their nests, but they can also be dangerous if they get stuck inside. In this article, we will discuss some birds that nest in chimneys and offer tips on dealing with these birds safely.
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Birds That Nest in Your Chimney
These are some of the most common birds that nest in chimneys.
1. Pigeons
- Scientific name: Columbidae
- Length: 25-30 cm
- Weight: 250-350 g
- Wingspan: 32-35 cm
Pigeons are large, plump birds with short tails and long necks. They have grey or brown feathers and round heads and are known for their distinctive cooing calls. Pigeons often build nests in chimneys, which can be challenging to remove due to their size and weight.
2. Sparrows
- Scientific name: Passer domesticus
- Length: 15-19 cm
- Weight: 25-40 g
- Wingspan: 20-25 cm
Sparrows are small, brown birds with short tails and long, slender beaks. They are social birds that often build nests in chimneys and are known for their chirpy calls.
3. Common Starling
- Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
- Length: 20 cm
- Weight: 60-100 g
- Wingspan: 30-45 cm
The common starling is a bird with dark brown or black feathers and a long, pointed beak. They are known for their loud, chattering calls. If starlings nest in your chimney, you may get annoyed by their frequent calls and prodigious poop.
4. Common Mynas
- Scientific name: Acridotheres tristis
- Length: 25 cm
- Weight: 80-140 g
- Wingspan: 120-140 cm
Common mynas are large birds with yellow and black feathers. They are known for their distinctive calls. Common mynas often build nests in chimneys, which can be challenging to remove. Prevention is the best way to avoid this problem.
5. Barred Owls
- Scientific name: Strix varia
- Length: 40-63 cm
- Weight: 470-950 g
- Wingspan: 100-110 cm
Barred owls are large birds with brown and white feathers. They build their nests in tree cavities but also nest in chimneys. Barred owls are nocturnal birds feeding small mammals, fish, and insects. If you have barred owls nesting in your chimney, it is essential to be careful when using the fireplace, as these birds can become aggressive if disturbed.
6. Red-Winged Blackbirds
- Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
- Length: 18-22 cm
- Weight: 35-70 g
- Wingspan: 30-40 cm
Red-winged blackbirds are medium-sized birds with black feathers and bright yellow wing patches. They are common bird species in North America and often build their nests in chimneys. These birds can be pretty noisy
7. Barn Swallows
- Scientific name: Hirundo rustica
- Length: 18 cm
- Weight: 25 g
- Wingspan: 35 cm
Barn swallows are small birds with glossy, steel-blue feathers and long, pointed wings. They are known for their graceful flight patterns. These birds are essential for agricultural pest control, as they eat large quantities of flying insects. You can easily remove barn swallow nests because they are small and easy to pick up.
8. Tufted Titmouse
- Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
- Length: 15 cm
- Weight: 18-25 g
- Wingspan: 20-25 cm
Tufted titmice are small birds with grey and white or grey and brown feathers. They have a tuft of black feathers on their heads and are known for their chattering calls. These social birds often build nests in birdhouses or bird boxes but may also nest in chimneys. Install a birdhouse nearby to prevent tufted titmice from nesting in your chimney.
9. Nighthawks
- Scientific name: Caprimulgidae
- Length: 22-25 cm
- Weight: 55-100 g
- Wingspan: 50-60 cm
Nighthawks are bird species with long, slender wings and dark grey feathers. They are nocturnal birds that feed on insects, which they catch in mid-air. If you have nighthawks nesting in your chimney, you will want to call an expert to remove the nest. This predatory bird can become aggressive if you approach its nest.
10. Little Blue Herons
- Scientific name: Egretta caerulea
- Length: 65-75 cm
- Weight: 300-410 g
- Wingspan: 90-100 cm
Little blue herons are bird species with long, slender legs, a long neck, and grey feathers. They often nest in trees but may also build their nests in chimneys. These birds are essential for agriculture because they feed on insects and small fish. You want to remove these nests as soon as possible because they can become quite large and smelly.
11. Cattle Egrets
- Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis
- Length: 45-55 cm
- Weight: 270-500 g
- Wingspan: 90-95 cm
Cattle egrets are bird species with long, skinny legs and white feathers. They often follow herds of grazing animals to catch insects disturbed by the animals. When nesting, they often build their nests in trees but can also nest in chimneys. You can quickly remove their nests while wearing some gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cost To Remove Birds Nest From Chimney?
Depending on the bird species, getting a bird’s nest out of your chimney can be pretty simple or complicated. Larger birds, such as pigeons or crows, can be difficult to trap and remove from your chimney. In general, bird removal services will charge by the bird or bird nest, so the total cost will depend on how many birds you have and what type of bird they are.
How To Get Rid of Birds Nesting in Chimneys?
You can use several methods to eliminate bird nests in your chimney. One option is to install bird netting over your vent to prevent the birds from nesting there. Another option is to install bird spikes inside your chimney, making it difficult or impossible for the birds to build a nest.
You can also try bird repellent sprays or bird traps to remove the birds from your chimney. Ultimately, the best way to get rid of bird nests in your chimney will depend on the species and number of birds that nest there.
How Long Will Birds Nest in My Chimney?
The time that birds will nest in your chimney will depend on the bird species and whether or not you have removed them from your chimney. Some bird species, such as common sparrows or bluebirds, are less likely to nest in chimneys and may only use them occasionally. Other bird species, such as pigeons or crows, may return to your chimney year after year to build new nests.
When Do Birds Nest in Chimneys?
The birds that build nests in chimneys are typically migratory bird species, which means they will start nesting at different times depending on where you live. In general, bird species that nest in your chimneys may begin searching for suitable nesting locations during the spring or summer months. However, some bird species, such as crows and pigeons, have been known to nest in chimneys year-round.
Wrap Up
If you are experiencing bird activity in your chimney, don’t panic! There are several common species of birds that nest in chimneys. With careful planning and bird-repellent products, you can get rid of bird nests in your chimney quickly and easily. Remember to consult with bird removal experts for the best bird control methods for your particular bird species. Good luck!