Why is it necessary to exclude starlings?
Firstly: No-one who is seriously concerned about the protection of species has any objections to starlings – quite the contrary. In designing starling barriers the intention is to assist the protection of all species. Therefore we supply also various different types of nesting boxes specifically for starlings.
However, we have to accept that starlings can present a problem when they nest on buildings, usually because of the mess that they make on and around the building, for example on "prestige" buildings or in areas used by the public. This often results in a reduction in the number of nesting aids for swifts, which in turn means that less breeding areas are available for them. Where nesting boxes are occupied by swifts their habits definitely do not result in the fouling of buildings. Selective projects for monitoring swifts have shown how welcome this starling barrier is as a means of reducing unwanted occupancy.
How the starling barrier operates: The anatomy of the starling (long legs etc.) prevents it from getting through the barrier and into the brood chamber that lies behind it. Swifts have very short legs, enabling them to easily gain access through this tunnel. Tests conducted over many years have proved the effectiveness of this system.
Installing the barriers in existing boxes: As a rule barriers should not be installed in existing brood boxes because the swifts enter the box at a high speed and can injure their beaks. It is well known that when swifts return to their previous year’s sites they tend to fly "blind".
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 [Fig. 1]: Swift box Type No.16 S with starling barrier
 [Fig. 2]: View inside the box with starling barrier installed (front panel removed)
 [Fig. 3]: Type No. 16S – flush-mounted
 [Fig. 4]: Type No. 16S flush-mounted (section showing flight direction)
 [Fig. 5]: Type No. 16S Flush-mounted, in insulation, with optional fixing bracket
[Fig. 6]: Fixing Bracket (optional item)
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Description of the Swift Box No.16S
Nesting box for installation on or in external walls (Fig. 3). Where insulation is included in the façade the box can also be inserted into the insulating layer. The box has a built-in starling barrier at the entrance as an effective means of preventing starlings from occupying the box.
Suitable for: Common swift
Installation: 2 recommended forms of installation:
A. Set into the external facade
Can be bricked in or installed in the façade. Flush mounting is also possible. If the wall includes insulation the box can also be built into the layer of insulation. In such cases the mounting strip shown below can be used, see Figs. 5 & 6.
B. On or in the outer surface of the facade
Surface mounting is also possible, for example on house walls. In this case a mounting bar, Order No. 00 614/1, should be used (see also Fig. 5). When set into an external wall the box also can be painted with standard air-permeable external wall paint.
Height and direction: The entrance hole should be located at least 5 m above the ground. Please ensure that birds entering and leaving have unobstructed access. The installation of several of these nesting aids in each building will help the rapid formation of colonies of swifts.
Material: Air-Permeable SCHWEGLER wood concrete
Cleaning and inspection: For inspection purposes the front panel, with a device to prevent occupants from falling out, can be completely removed. Cleaning is not necessary, if occupied by Swift.
Colour: Light grey, main box coated, natural grey front panel. When attached to external façade it can be easily painted using standard, air-permeable exterior wall paint to match the colour of the wall.
Dimensions:
External dimensions:
height 24 x width 43 x depth 22 cm
Interior dimensions of nesting chamber:
height 17 x width 36 x depth 16 cm
Weight: approx.12 kg
Swift Box No 16S order no. 00 609 / 7
Optional Fixing Bracket for Swift Box No. 16 S
Please see Fig. 6.
Used when fixing the No. 16S on an external wall or other surfaces. This brackets adds stability to the screw connection by reducing the tensions on the nestbox.
2 screws and wall plugs are included.
Material: Galvanised steel.
Dimensions: 30 x 3 x 250 mm
| Fixing Bracket for No. 16S |
order no.: 00 614 / 1 |
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