Can a Baby Bird Get Back in Its Nest? Understanding Fledgling Fate
In most situations, no, a baby bird that has fallen or fledged prematurely cannot simply be placed back in its nest and expected to survive. Factors like nest height, parental acceptance, and the bird’s developmental stage play critical roles.
The Myth of Abandonment: Understanding Bird Behavior
The common misconception that a mother bird will abandon its young if touched by humans is largely untrue. Birds have a poor sense of smell and rely on visual and auditory cues to identify their offspring. However, attempting to return a fallen baby bird to its nest is not always the most effective or appropriate course of action. The success depends on several factors.
Fledgling vs. Nestling: Knowing the Difference
Understanding the developmental stage of the bird is crucial. There’s a significant difference between a fledgling and a nestling.
- Nestlings: These are young birds that are completely dependent on their parents. They typically lack feathers or have downy feathers only. They are unable to hop, walk, or fly.
- Fledglings: These are birds that have begun to develop feathers and are learning to fly. They can hop around and may even attempt short flights. Fledglings are typically observed on the ground or in low-lying shrubs while their parents continue to feed them.
Factors Influencing Success of Returning a Bird
Several factors dictate whether attempting to return a baby bird to its nest is viable:
- Nest Location: If the nest is easily accessible and the bird is a nestling, returning it might be successful. However, attempting to climb tall trees or structures can be dangerous and is not recommended.
- Bird’s Condition: If the bird is injured, return is highly unlikely to be successful. Look for signs of injury (bleeding, obvious broken bone, inability to stand). Injured birds require professional care.
- Age of the Bird: As mentioned before, whether the bird is a nestling or fledgling drastically changes the recommended course of action.
- Predator Presence: The area surrounding the nest may be prone to predation. It is important to keep domestic pets away from the nest while attempting to retrieve the chick.
- Parental Acceptance: Although the myth of abandonment is mostly false, some species might still reject a chick if it has been handled excessively. However, this is relatively uncommon.
Steps to Take When Finding a Baby Bird
If you find a baby bird, follow these steps:
- Identify the Bird: Determine if it is a nestling or a fledgling.
- Assess the Situation: Look for the nest. If it’s easily accessible and the bird is uninjured, gently place it back.
- Monitor the Nest: Observe from a distance to see if the parents return to feed the chick.
- If Unable to Return: If the nest is unreachable or the parents do not return, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
- Consider a Temporary Nest: If the nest has been destroyed, create a temporary one from a small container (e.g., berry basket) lined with grass or paper towels. Secure the container to a nearby branch. Place the nestling inside and monitor for parental care.
When to Seek Professional Help
It’s crucial to contact a wildlife rehabilitator in the following situations:
- The bird is visibly injured.
- The bird is extremely weak or emaciated.
- The bird has been attacked by a cat or other predator.
- You are unable to locate the nest or provide adequate care.
- The parents do not return after a reasonable amount of time (1-2 hours).
Understanding Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who are licensed to care for injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animals. They have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary medical care, nutrition, and housing to increase the animal’s chances of survival and eventual release back into the wild. It’s important to find a licensed rehabilitator.
Prevention: Protecting Birds and Nests
Preventive measures can significantly reduce the number of baby birds that require intervention:
- Keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season.
- Trim trees and shrubs outside of nesting season to avoid disturbing nests.
- Avoid using pesticides that can harm birds and their food sources.
- Be mindful of bird nests when mowing or landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it true that birds will abandon their young if humans touch them?
No, this is a common myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell and rely primarily on sight and sound to identify their offspring. While it’s best to minimize handling baby birds, touching them won’t cause the parents to abandon them.
What is the difference between a nestling and a fledgling?
A nestling is a very young bird that is completely dependent on its parents for food and care. A fledgling is an older bird that has partially developed feathers and is learning to fly but still relies on parental care.
If I find a baby bird on the ground, what should I do first?
First, determine if it’s a nestling or a fledgling. If it’s a nestling, look for the nest. If you can find it and it’s accessible, gently place the bird back inside. If it’s a fledgling, leave it alone unless it’s injured or in immediate danger.
What if I can’t find the nest of a baby bird?
If you can’t find the nest, and the bird is a nestling, you can create a temporary nest using a small container lined with soft materials. Place it as close as possible to where you found the bird and monitor for parental care.
How long should I wait to see if the parents return?
Monitor the bird for 1-2 hours from a distance. If the parents don’t return during this time, it’s likely the bird needs help from a wildlife rehabilitator.
What if the baby bird is injured?
If the baby bird is injured (bleeding, broken bone, unable to stand), contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to treat the bird yourself.
Can I feed a baby bird?
It’s not recommended to feed a baby bird yourself. They require a specialized diet and feeding techniques. Providing the wrong food or feeding improperly can cause serious health problems or even death. Wildlife rehabilitators are equipped to provide proper nutrition.
What if the nest has been destroyed?
If the nest has been destroyed, you can attempt to create a temporary nest as described above. Attach it to a nearby branch or shrub.
What should I do if the baby bird has been attacked by a cat?
Even if the bird doesn’t appear to be seriously injured, cat saliva contains bacteria that can be fatal. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
How can I help prevent baby birds from falling out of their nests?
Keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season. Avoid disturbing nests, and trim trees and shrubs outside of nesting season. Consider planting native plants that provide food and shelter for birds.
Can a baby bird get back in its nest by itself?
Can a baby bird get back in its nest? Rarely, a very advanced fledgling might be able to hop or flutter back into a low-lying nest. However, for the vast majority of birds, especially nestlings, the answer is no. They are too young and lack the necessary skills.
How do I find a wildlife rehabilitator?
Contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinarian for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area. You can also search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me.”