Restoration Work Destroys Swift Nests in Trancoso

Why this is here: Quercus estimates the colony at Trancoso Castle is “probably the largest” of common swifts in Portugal.

Portugal’s Institute for Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) confirmed that restoration work at Trancoso Castle in Guarda is directly destroying nests of common swifts. The ICNF responded to a report from the GNR regarding the work on the castle walls and found the interventions disrupt the birds during breeding season. This violates a Portuguese law protecting wild species and prohibiting nest destruction.

The ICNF requested that the Trancoso Municipal Chamber halt work during the swifts’ nesting period. The Chamber President referred questions to an upcoming official statement. Environmental group Quercus had previously warned that the work endangered a large swift colony—potentially the largest in Portugal—returning from Africa to nest in mid-April.

Quercus noted the work occurs during a period of declining swift populations across Europe, and that similar projects elsewhere have balanced conservation with restoration. Effective action from authorities is still needed to address the situation.