Finding a baby bird on the ground can be alarming, but not every fledgling you see needs rescuing. Some young birds spend time learning to fly outside the nest under their parents’ watchful eyes.
The key is knowing whether the bird is in danger or simply going through a normal stage of development. Taking the right steps helps ensure the bird’s best chance of survival without unnecessary human interference.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal rescue organization before handling or moving wild birds. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Observe From A Distance First
Before rushing to help, take a moment to watch the bird quietly from several metres away. Parent birds often feed their young on the ground while teaching them to fly.
Your presence might scare off the adults who are nearby, waiting to return. Spend at least 30 minutes watching to see if the parents come back.
If the bird appears healthy and is hopping around, the parents are likely caring for it. Interfering too soon could separate a baby from its family unnecessarily.
Determine If It’s A Nestling Or Fledgling
Identifying the bird’s age helps you decide the best course of action. Nestlings have few or no feathers, closed eyes, and cannot hop or grip branches.
Fledglings, however, are mostly feathered, have open eyes, and can hop around even though they can’t fly well yet. Fledglings are supposed to be on the ground as part of their natural development.
Nestlings need to be returned to their nest if possible, while fledglings should usually be left alone unless they’re injured or in immediate danger.
Check For Visible Injuries
Carefully look for signs of harm without touching the bird yet. Broken wings, bleeding, visible wounds, or difficulty breathing are serious concerns that require professional help.
A bird that cannot stand, is dragging a wing, or has been attacked by a cat needs immediate veterinary attention. Birds injured by cats often have bacterial infections that can be fatal without treatment.
If the bird seems weak, cold, or unresponsive, it may also need rescue. Healthy fledglings will usually be alert and try to hop away from you.
Return A Nestling To Its Nest
When you find a featherless nestling on the ground, look up to locate its nest nearby. Gently pick up the bird using clean hands or a soft cloth and place it back inside.
The myth that parent birds will reject babies touched by humans is false. Birds have a poor sense of smell and will continue caring for their young.
If the nest is damaged or unreachable, you can create a makeshift nest using a small basket lined with grass and secure it close to the original location. Monitor to ensure the parents return.
Keep Pets And Children Away
Cats and dogs pose the greatest threat to grounded baby birds. Even a curious pet can injure or kill a vulnerable fledgling in seconds.
Keep your pets indoors or on a leash when you discover a baby bird in your yard. Children should also be kept at a distance to avoid stressing the bird or accidentally harming it.
Creating a safe zone around the bird allows the parents to continue feeding and protecting their baby. A temporary barrier using garden stakes and string can help keep the area secure without disturbing the bird.
Provide Temporary Shelter If Needed
Sometimes a fledgling may be in a dangerous spot like a busy sidewalk or near a road. Moving the bird to a safer location nearby is acceptable.
Pick up the bird gently and place it in a bush or under a shrub within a few metres of where you found it. The parents will hear its calls and continue feeding it there.
Avoid bringing the bird indoors unless it’s injured or in immediate danger from predators. Wild birds need their parents’ care and specialized diet to survive, which humans cannot easily provide.
Contact A Wildlife Rehabilitator
If the bird is injured, orphaned, or the parents don’t return after several hours, professional help is essential. Wildlife rehabilitators have the training and resources to care for baby birds properly.
Search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitation centres in your area or contact your local animal control or veterinary clinic for referrals. Many areas have hotlines specifically for wildlife emergencies.
While waiting for help, keep the bird warm and quiet in a ventilated box lined with soft fabric. Do not attempt to feed or give water, as improper feeding can harm the bird.
Avoid Feeding Or Watering The Bird
Well-meaning people often try to feed baby birds, but this usually causes more harm than good. Birds have very specific dietary needs that differ by species.
Bread, milk, and water can be dangerous or even fatal to baby birds. Incorrect food can cause choking, malnutrition, or aspiration pneumonia.
Parent birds know exactly what their babies need and will provide it if given the chance. If the bird truly needs rescue, a wildlife rehabilitator will have the proper formula and feeding techniques to keep it healthy and thriving.
