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Southeastern BC Black Swift Project 

Protecting One of Canada’s Most Elusive Birds

The Black Swift (Cypseloides niger) is one of Canada’s most specialized and least-understood birds. In British Columbia, this Endangered species nests in rare and fragile environments—steep, wet cliff faces associated with waterfalls, canyon walls, and seepage zones.

 

The Southeastern BC Black Swift Project, led by Goldeneye Ecological Services in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada, is working to identify and protect these critical breeding habitats across southeastern British Columbia.

 

Why This Work Matters

 

Black Swifts have experienced significant population declines in Canada, with estimates suggesting declines of approximately 50% over the past three generations, and potentially greater long-term reductions.

 

In British Columbia, approximately 30 breeding sites are currently documented, and many aspects of the species’ ecology remain poorly understood. These include population size, nesting distribution, survival, and movement patterns.

 

British Columbia supports a substantial portion of the global breeding population of Black Swifts, giving the province an important role in the species’ conservation. However, the lack of basic ecological information limits the ability to effectively protect the species and its habitat.

 

Additional challenges include:

 

  • The species lays only one egg per year and does not typically renest if a nest fails

  • Nest sites are reused for many years, often decades

  • Suitable nesting habitat is rare, highly specialized, and difficult to access

 

Black Swift declines are believed to be driven by multiple interacting factors, including:

 

  • Declines in aerial insect prey

  • Hydrological changes affecting waterfall and cliff microhabitats

  • Disturbance at nesting sites

  • Climate change affecting both habitat and food availability

 

Improving understanding of where Black Swifts nest—and how consistently those sites are used—is a critical step toward supporting long-term conservation and recovery.

 

Project Objectives

 

This project is focused on three key goals:

 

1. Identify and Assess Breeding Habitat - Conduct field surveys, habitat assessments, and remote monitoring at candidate sites between Kinbasket Reservoir and Grasmere.

 

2. Expand Survey Capacity - Work with experienced climbers and recreationists to document habitat at remote and difficult-to-access locations.

 

3. Support Conservation Action - Provide data to support:

  • Federal recovery planning under the Species at Risk Act (SARA)

  • Provincial habitat protection tools under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA)

  • Development of Best Management Practices for recreation and forestry

 

How We Are Doing This

 

The project combines multiple approaches to detect and understand Black Swift habitat:

 

  • Targeted field surveys at high-potential sites

  • Habitat assessments using standardized national protocols

  • Infrared cameras to detect activity at inaccessible cliffs

  • Acoustic monitoring to detect presence

  • Collaboration with local experts, recreationists, and land managers 

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Working with the Recreation Community

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Many Black Swift nesting habitats occur in areas used by climbers, canyoners, hikers, and paddlers. This project is working to collaboratively engage with the recreation community to:

  • Improve understanding of where Black Swifts occur

  • Reduce disturbance at sensitive sites

  • Develop practical, evidence-based Best Management Practices

 

Get Involved

 

We are seeking experienced climbers and professional guides to assist with documenting habitat at remote sites. What’s involved:

  • Visiting 1–3 pre-identified locations

  • Collecting habitat photos and basic site information

  • Following clear safety and no-disturbance guidelines

No nest searching is required.

 

This is an opportunity to apply your skills in a meaningful way and contribute directly to species-at-risk conservation.

 

Submit Observations

 

We also welcome Black Swift sightings and habitat observations from the public. If you:

  • Observe swifts near waterfalls or canyon cliffs

  • Have photos of suitable habitat

  • Spend time in alpine or cliff environments

 

We’d love to hear from you.

 

Project Partners

 

This project is led by Goldeneye Ecological Services in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service.  Funding for this project is provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Alpine Club of Canada, and BC Field Ornithologists. This project is also supported by provincial agencies, recreation and community partners.

 

For more information, to get involved, or to submit Black Swift observation data:

 

📧 info@goldeneyeecological.ca

📞 250-939-9469 

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