Attraction Calls
Attraction Calls dramatically increase the chances of Swifts and House Martins finding your boxes/cups. Click the links below to download a successful playlist of calls, see how to make a call system and to download a printable guidance sheet.
Swift Attraction Calls
House Martin Attraction Calls
Guidance Sheet
How to Make a Call System
Caller Parts
Here is a list of the parts we use to make callers. *Please note we are no longer taking orders for 2026.*
Amplifiers
ZK502M amplifiers, available on Amazon and in bulk at a lower price (and requiring basic assembly) from AliExpress.
Speakers
Small 500w dome car tweeter like these. They are not waterproof, but really do stand the test of time in a sheltered spot!
Power Adapters
These 12v 2a power supplies are suitable for the amplifiers. They are available in bulk from AliExpress, too.
Speaker Wire
We use this brand from eBay.
Heat Shrink
To connect the wires we use 4:1 glue-lined heat shrink with a heat gun.
USB Sticks
Use any USB stick. If using the CS&HM download, a small stick will suffice as the files only add up to 25mb.
Junction Boxes
To make the speakers weather proof in exposed locations, we use these junction boxes from Toolstation and drill 12 holes in the lids.
Don't forget to add a timer plug so you can plug it in in May and forget about it until August!
Swift Caller Guidance
Consistently playing Swift calls is a highly effective way to encourage Swifts to your boxes. Swifts nest in colonies and are naturally attracted to the calls of their own kind. Playing their calls will make your boxes seem like an existing colony, which will make them much more inclined to investigate your property. Swifts will pinpoint the sound, so placing the speaker as close as possible to your boxes or even inside is successful, but not essential – a nearby windowsill will suffice. Swifts will probably prospect your property in areas they are ‘hardwired’ to look, such as under eaves and in any obvious holes in the masonry. Spend time watching the Swifts and their behaviour if they do visit, you will gain an insight to their preferences.
Swifts arrive in waves every year. The first wave arrives in early May, consisting of breeding adults that already have a nest site. They will go straight to their nest, wait for their partner to arrive, then their breeding season will commence. These birds will not respond to callers. There will be Swifts that are displaced after their nest sites have been blocked off or demolished since the previous summer. Some displaced birds will find another nest site, but this is rare. Playing calls from early May is very unlikely to yield any results.
The second wave are the ones you are after. These birds arrive at the end of May and into the middle of June. These are non-breeders of around 2-3 years old that are looking for their own nest and a mate. Once they have found a nest site, they will build the nest ready for the following year with material found on the wing. A pair attracted in this wave will bond for life and return to the nest to breed the following year. They will roost in the box together, possibly into August before they return to Africa for winter. It is important not to clean out your box after each season as they make their nest ahead of time!
The third wave are yearling birds that come to the UK to investigate colonies. They may prospect your boxes and even roost but won’t start to build a nest until the following year.
The best times to play your calls are from 6am to 11am and from 8pm to 10pm. Be careful not to annoy the neighbours! It is a good idea to install a timer so the amplifier comes on when required and can even incorporate 15- or 30-minute pauses. You may find a peak time that Swifts visit each day.
Play your calls as loud as you are comfortable with to help them reach further. However, do not risk upsetting the neighbours!
Swifts are extremely faithful to their nest sites. If you are lucky enough to attract a pair, do not move your box. If you need to carry out repairs and the box must be moved, ensure it is in exactly the same place when reinstalled.
Swifts only tend to prospect in fine weather. Give the neighbours (and yourself!) a break when it’s wet and cold. If you have any questions at all, do get in touch.
Good Luck!