Save Our Swallows
Some of these species, including the Purple Martin, are currently not federally protected under the Species at Risk Act as of 2021. To halt the decline of Canada’s Swallow species and recover their populations we must understand the causes and do what we must to restore healthy populations.
About the Campaign
From habitat loss and pet predation to pesticide-caused crashes in their prey populations of flying insects to climate change; humans have played the leading role in the loss of our cherished swallows. Nature Canada is not giving up on these migratory birds. Rather, we believe it is the perfect time for ALL of us to do our part in helping the swallows make a recovery.
First established in May 2018, our Save our Swallows campaign has built a solid foundation for swallow conservation. By working with different organizations and community partners such as farmers, researchers, Indigenous communities and naturalists we are deepening our understanding of the issues that swallows and their roosts face as well as addressing specific issues regarding each of Ontario’s swallow species.
Our Partners
From habitat loss and pet predation to pesticide-caused crashes in their prey populations of flying insects to climate change; humans have played the leading role in the loss of our cherished swallows. Nature Canada is not giving up on these migratory birds. Rather, we believe it is the perfect time for ALL of us to do our part in helping the swallows make a recovery.
First established in May 2018, our Save our Swallows campaign has built a solid foundation for swallow conservation. By working with different organizations and community partners such as farmers, researchers, Indigenous communities and naturalists we are deepening our understanding of the issues that swallows and their roosts face as well as addressing specific issues regarding each of Ontario’s swallow species.
Current Active Work
Many of the resources for our Save our Swallows work were developed between 2018 and 2021, with funding from the Ontario Trillium Association. Beneficial stewardship practices for the six swallow species in Eastern Canada are available here:
Beneficial Management Practices of Ontario’s Swallows
Information on Purple Martin, a species of focus for Nature Canada between 2015 and 2021, is available here:
The Purple Martin Project
Purple Martin Housing
Our current focus is on identifying and protecting large nocturnal roosts for swallows, typically formed in Canada from late July to early September. These roosts contain hundreds to hundreds of thousands of these declining and threatened birds, and are critical habitat for them for a significant part of their annual cycle lasting from several days to over a month.
The time to act is now!
The longevity of our swallows depends on the steps we take in the coming years.
Become a bird advocate to receive notifications about our latest campaigns calling for government action, information on swallow roost sites, beneficial management practices, or opportunities to advocate with your social circles. Your support can undoubtedly have an impact in halting the decline of these beloved birds.
