Mighty Migrations: The Chimney Swift
Chimney Swifts are a fascinating species that are best known for their “swift-nados” — the way they flock together in a swirling cloud of birds before dropping into a chimney at night to roost. The experience of watching this phenomenon is unforgettable. These birds migrate over 3,000 miles EACH migration season (spring and fall), wintering in South America and nesting as far north as Manitoba, Canada. Wisconsin is an important place for Chimney Swifts during their nesting and migration seasons.
This species is also facing a huge decline, with over 70% population reductions in the last 50+ years. Some of this has to do with a loss of food (insects) and loss of nesting and roosting habitats (dead or hollow trees, and — you got it! — chimneys). What can we do to help these amazing creatures?
In this free, online presentation, Steffanie Munguía will describe Chimney Swifts’ biology, migration, and conservation needs. You’ll also learn more about why taking steps like protecting large, old chimneys is so critical for this species. And find out more about upcoming Swift Night Out events in Madison on Sept. 6 and throughout Wisconsin!
Mighty Migrations: Chimney Swifts by Steffanie Munguía, August 19, 2025
This presentation is part of the Mighty Migrations Series, a set of three webinars that feature three INCREDIBLE migrating species:
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds by Jennifer Lazewski on August 18, 7pm CT
Chimney Swifts by Steffanie Munguía on August 19, 7pm CT
Monarch butterflies by Karen Oberhauser on August 20, 7pm CT
This series is co-hosted by Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, SOS Save Our Songbirds, and the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. The Chimney Swift presentation is additionally co-hosted by the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, Feminist Bird Club - Madison Chapter, and Wisconsin Chimney Swift Working Group.
About the Speaker: Steffanie Munguía
Dr. Steffanie Munguía and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo!
Dr. Steffanie Munguía is an experienced Latina environmental advocate and conservation professional working across the hemisphere to build a more inclusive environmental movement. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, Steffanie's passion for conservation grew from an early love of birds and weekend camping trips into a career.
Over the years, she has worked as an environmental educator, social scientist, and student engagement leader. Dr. Munguía has contributed to avian research and conservation for over a decade, beginning as a citizen scientist prior to pursuing higher education in socioecological systems research. She is now the Avian Conservation Programs Manager for Zoo Miami, where she supports their existing partnerships with bird conservation programs in Latin America and the Caribbean while developing new action-based research programs in South Florida. Steffanie is also the field director of the Cape Florida Banding Station, the longest-running, southern-most migratory bird banding station in the continental United States.
Co-hosted by:
Cover photo: Chimney Swifts at Cherokee Heights Middle School in Madison, Wisconsin (photo by Brenna Marsicek/SoWBA)
