The swifts in the tower

Swifts have been nesting in ventilation flues in the tower of the University Museum for many years, providing a wonderful opportunity for scientists to study these fascinating but elusive birds. From May to August this page offers a webcam link to swifts nesting in the Museum tower.

View the swifts webcam (May to August only)

The swift colony has been the subject of the Oxford Swift Research Project, started by David and Elizabeth Lack in 1947. This is one of the longest running studies of any species of bird, and has contributed greatly to our knowledge.

Swift statistics for 2011 - This year's diary
Swift statistics for 2010
Swift statistics for 2009
Swift statistics for 2008
Swift statistics for 2007
Swift statistics for 2006
Swift statistics for 2005

Learn more about the swifts in the tower (PDF, 240kB)

© Oxford University Museum of Natural History