Emergency Contacts

Have you found a fallen Swift, Swallow or Housemartin?

If you find a grounded Swift, Swallow, or House Martin, seek specialist help immediately. Do not take them to general wildlife rescues, attempt home care, or release them. They may be injured.  

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House Martins

  • Local contacts may assist with transportation, but for best practice rehabilitation guidance and emergency advice, refer to House Martin Conservation Rehabilitation advice here.

Swifts and swallows

  • Wear gloves and gently pick the bird up.
  • Place it in a ventilated box lined with a tea towel and kitchen roll.
  • If it is cold, add a warm, not hot, water bottle or wheat bag under the towel.
  • Do not feed or offer water.
  • Take photos from the front and from above.
  • Weigh it if you can, using kitchen scales. Put kitchen roll in the bowl first if needed.
  • Keep it in a quiet, dark room away from noise and pets.

What Next?

Please send the following details as soon as possible to ONE of the local support contacts listed below:

  • Photos, front view and top view.
  • Weight.
  • Your postcode and contact details.
  • A brief description of what happened, such as a cat attack.

Local support

National support

To report scaffolding blocking swift nests, visit our advice page here.