House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) do not make good neighbours: Interspecific clutch destruction of Common Swifts (Apus apus)

Following extensive renovation of urban areas of central Israel, and in the framework of a research project of supplying nest-boxes for urban breeding birds, especially Common Swifts Apus apus, we documented interspecific nest destruction by House Sparrows Passer domesticus. In two separate incidents the House Sparrows entered the nest chamber of the swifts and removed the eggs by puncturing them. In one, the incident occurred early enough in the breeding season and allowed the Common Swift pair to renest and successfully fledge two young.