There are birds in my chimney — what should I do?
First find out what kind of bird it is. Most native birds and their active nests are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so the nest has to wait until the young have left. Feral pigeons, house sparrows and European starlings are not covered. Once the chimney is empty, clean out the nest and install a screened cap so it can't happen again.
Scottsdale Chimney Co. · October 4, 2026
Why birds pick chimneys and vents
An uncapped flue or an open fireplace vent is a shaded, sheltered spot — valuable in the desert. Pigeons nest on chase tops and in decorative shrouds; smaller birds get into open flues and gas vent terminations. Many birds nest in spring, so the noise usually starts in March or April.
What not to do
Don't light the fireplace to drive them out — it can kill the birds, and a nest in the flue is flammable and can block exhaust, which is dangerous with a gas fireplace. Don't seal the top while birds are inside.
The protected-bird question
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects most native birds and makes it illegal to destroy an active nest with eggs or young. The three common exceptions are non-native: feral pigeons, house sparrows and European starlings. If you're not sure, a wildlife removal company can identify the bird and handle it legally.
Keeping them out
After the nest is gone, the flue or vent needs cleaning and a screened stainless cap. A single-flue stainless cap runs $250 to $500 installed; multi-flue or decorative caps $500 to $850. If birds are getting into a gas vent, the vent termination needs a proper guard — not a screen that could restrict exhaust.
FAQ
More answers
Can a bird's nest cause carbon monoxide problems?
Yes. A nest can block a flue or a gas vent and push exhaust back into the room. Don't use the fireplace until it's cleared.
Do you remove birds?
We clean out the nest once the birds are gone and install the cap. Live birds are a job for a wildlife removal company.
Keep reading
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My gas fireplace pilot won't stay lit — why?Why a gas fireplace pilot lights then goes out, or stays on while the burner won't light — the usual parts, what you can check, and Scottsdale repair prices.
Do gas fireplaces need to be cleaned and serviced?Gas fireplaces burn clean but still need a yearly check. What a gas fireplace service includes, why Valley dust matters, and what it costs in Scottsdale.
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