Will the Parents Find the Fledgling? A Guide to Avian Reunions
The answer to “Will the parents find the fledgling?” is often yes, as birds have strong instincts to locate and care for their young, but the success of the reunion depends on several factors, including the fledgling’s age, location, and the presence of human intervention. Our guide breaks down the process.
Understanding Fledglings: A Crucial First Step
Before acting, it’s essential to understand what a fledgling is. A fledgling is a young bird that has recently left the nest and is learning to fly. They are often fully feathered but may still have some downy feathers. They hop around on the ground and are often noisy, calling out to their parents. Importantly, they are not necessarily abandoned.
The Parents’ Role in Fledgling Survival
Bird parents are incredibly dedicated to their offspring. They will typically continue to feed and protect their fledglings for several days or even weeks after they leave the nest. They do this by:
- Auditory Cues: Listening for the fledgling’s calls.
- Visual Cues: Spotting the fledgling’s location.
- Proximity: Remaining in the general area of the nest and fledgling.
Signs the Fledgling Needs Help
While most fledglings don’t need rescuing, there are situations where intervention is necessary. These include:
- Obvious Injury: Visible broken bones, bleeding, or inability to stand.
- Lack of Feathers: Bare skin and very young looking – may be a nestling, not a fledgling.
- Predator Threat: Imminent danger from cats, dogs, or other predators.
- Prolonged Absence of Parents: If you haven’t seen or heard the parents in several hours.
- Thin and weak: If the fledgling is obviously malnourished and unable to move much.
Safe Ways to Help a Fledgling
If you determine that a fledgling needs help, here’s what you can do:
- Relocate (If Necessary): If the fledgling is in immediate danger (e.g., in a road), gently move it to a safer location nearby, ideally under a bush or in a tree.
- Observe From a Distance: Watch for the parents to return. Give them space and avoid lingering too close, as this can deter them.
- Consider a Temporary “Nest”: If the fledgling is in an exposed area, you can create a temporary “nest” out of a small basket or container lined with grass or leaves. Place the fledgling inside and secure it to a branch near where you found it.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: If the fledgling is injured or the parents don’t return after a reasonable amount of time (several hours), contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
What NOT to Do When You Find a Fledgling
It’s just as important to know what not to do:
- Don’t Assume Abandonment: Most fledglings are not abandoned.
- Don’t Bring It Inside Immediately: Unless the bird is injured or demonstrably abandoned, bringing it inside is generally detrimental.
- Don’t Try to Feed It: Different species have different dietary needs. Feeding the wrong food can harm the fledgling. Let the parents handle feeding.
- Don’t Keep It as a Pet: It’s illegal to possess wild birds without the proper permits.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Interfering Too Soon: People often assume a fledgling is abandoned before giving the parents a chance to return.
- Touching the Bird: While birds don’t have a strong sense of smell, excessive handling can stress them.
- Using Inappropriate “Nests”: Plastic containers can trap moisture and overheat.
- Ignoring the Law: Keeping a wild bird is illegal and can have negative consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fledglings
What is the difference between a nestling and a fledgling?
A nestling is a young bird that is still entirely dependent on its parents and lives in the nest. They usually have few or no feathers. A fledgling has left the nest and is learning to fly and forage, but is still being cared for by its parents. They are usually fully feathered, though may be a bit scruffy.
Will my scent cause the parents to abandon the fledgling?
This is a common misconception. Birds have a poor sense of smell. Handling a fledgling briefly will not cause the parents to abandon it. However, it’s still best to minimize handling to reduce stress on the bird.
How long will the parents continue to care for the fledgling?
The duration of parental care varies depending on the species. Some birds may only care for their fledglings for a few days, while others may continue for several weeks. You’ll usually see parents feeding and protecting the young.
What if I find a nestling that has fallen out of the nest?
If possible, carefully place the nestling back into the nest. If you can’t reach the nest or it’s been destroyed, you can create a temporary “nest” as described above and secure it near the original nest location. Monitor to see if the parents return.
What should I do if I find a fledgling near a busy road?
Gently move the fledgling to a safer location nearby, such as under a bush or into a tree, away from traffic. Observe from a distance to see if the parents return.
How do I know if a fledgling is injured?
Signs of injury include:
- Visible broken bones or bleeding
- Inability to stand or walk properly
- Drooping wings
- Head trauma
- Obvious signs of pain
If you suspect the fledgling is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
What do wildlife rehabilitators do?
Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who provide care to injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals. They have the knowledge, skills, and permits to provide the specialized care these animals need to recover and be released back into the wild.
Is it illegal to keep a wild bird as a pet?
Yes, it is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep a wild bird as a pet without the proper permits. Wild birds are protected by law. Keeping them in captivity can be harmful to their well-being and can also have negative consequences for the environment.
What should I feed a fledgling if I think it’s starving?
Do not attempt to feed the fledgling. Different species have different dietary needs, and feeding the wrong food can harm the bird. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. They can provide the fledgling with the appropriate food and care.
What are the common predators of fledglings?
Common predators include:
- Cats (especially outdoor cats)
- Dogs
- Raccoons
- Foxes
- Hawks
- Owls
- Snakes
What role do fledglings play in the ecosystem?
Fledglings, as part of the broader bird population, play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They contribute to:
- Insect Control: Many birds eat insects, helping to control populations that could otherwise damage crops or spread disease.
- Seed Dispersal: Some birds eat fruits and disperse the seeds, helping to regenerate forests and other plant communities.
- Pollination: Some birds, such as hummingbirds, are important pollinators.
- Food Chain: Birds serve as a food source for other animals, maintaining the balance of the food chain.
If the parents don’t find the fledgling, what happens?
Unfortunately, if the parents don’t find the fledgling, it may not survive. Fledglings are still dependent on their parents for food and protection. Without parental care, they are vulnerable to predators, starvation, and exposure. This underscores the importance of observing from a distance and allowing the parents a reasonable amount of time to return before intervening. Ultimately, the success of “Will the parents find the fledgling?” hinges on minimal human interference and allowing nature to take its course.