A chimney swift tower provides a home for chimney swifts, small birds that live in chimneys or hollow trees and use such towers to raise their young or to stay during migration. Chimney swifts have unusually long talons that prevent them from perching, so they must cling to the sides of textured structures such as brick or wood. Since the 1970's, chimney swifts have suffered a sharp population loss because of a lack of places to live. This tower helps provide space for upwards of 100 birds to raise their young or rest along their 2,000 mile journey from the U.S. to Chile. The tower also serves scientists collecting data on the birds, and local citizens can assist by taking part in projects such as collecting data and counting birds.