What To Do If You Find a Baby Hummingbird on the Ground?
If you discover a baby hummingbird fallen from its nest, your immediate priority is to determine if it’s injured. What to do if you find a baby hummingbird on the ground? The best course of action is usually to carefully assess the situation, locate and return it to its nest if possible, or contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you can’t.
Understanding the Situation: Hummingbird Nesting and Development
Hummingbirds, those tiny jewels of the sky, build incredibly small and delicate nests. These nests are often hidden in trees or shrubs and are surprisingly well-camouflaged. The nesting season varies depending on location, but generally runs from early spring through late summer. Baby hummingbirds, called nestlings, are extremely vulnerable when they fall out of the nest. Understanding their development stages is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action when you find one on the ground.
- Nestling Stage: Featherless or with pin feathers, unable to fly, entirely dependent on the mother.
- Fledgling Stage: Covered in feathers, learning to fly, may hop or flutter on the ground, still dependent on the mother.
Immediate Assessment: Is the Baby Injured?
The first step when you what to do if you find a baby hummingbird on the ground? is to assess for injuries. Look for:
- Visible wounds: Bleeding, broken bones, or open sores.
- Unnatural posture: Twisted limbs or an inability to sit upright.
- Lethargy: Unresponsive or unusually still behavior.
- Inability to flutter or hop.
If the baby hummingbird shows any signs of injury, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary medical care.
Finding the Nest: The Ideal Scenario
The best outcome for a fallen baby hummingbird is to be reunited with its mother. The mother hummingbird is the best caregiver, so attempting to locate the nest is crucial.
- Observe the Surroundings: Look closely at nearby trees and shrubs. Hummingbird nests are often small and well-concealed.
- Listen for the Mother: The mother hummingbird will often be nearby, making soft chirping sounds.
- Look Up! Nests can be high up in trees, so scan the branches carefully.
- If You Find the Nest: Gently place the baby back into the nest. Don’t worry about the mother rejecting it due to your scent; this is a myth.
If You Can’t Find the Nest: Temporary Care and Alternatives
If you can’t locate the nest, or if the nest is inaccessible, you need to provide temporary care until you can contact a rehabilitator or find a suitable alternative solution.
- Provide a Temporary Nest: Use a small container (e.g., a margarine tub or small basket) lined with soft materials like paper towels or cotton balls. Ensure there are drainage holes.
- Keep it Warm: Baby hummingbirds need to stay warm. Place the container in a safe, sheltered location away from predators and direct sunlight. You can use a heating pad set on low under half of the container to provide warmth, but ensure the baby has a way to move away from the heat if it gets too warm.
- Do NOT Feed: Do NOT attempt to feed the baby hummingbird. Their nutritional needs are very specific, and improper feeding can be fatal. Contact a rehabilitator immediately for advice on feeding, and they can often provide hummingbird nectar or advise you on making a temporary sugar-water solution in a pinch.
Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator: The Next Best Step
Contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is crucial if you can’t find the nest or if the baby is injured. They are trained to provide the specialized care these delicate creatures need.
- Locate a Rehabilitator: Search online for wildlife rehabilitators in your area. Your local animal shelter or veterinarian may also be able to provide contact information.
- Describe the Situation: Provide the rehabilitator with as much information as possible, including the baby’s condition, age (if you can estimate), and the location where you found it.
- Follow Their Instructions: Follow the rehabilitator’s instructions carefully. They may ask you to bring the baby to them or provide specific care instructions until they can take over.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
Understanding what to do if you find a baby hummingbird on the ground? also means knowing what not to do.
- Don’t Keep It as a Pet: It is illegal and harmful to keep a wild hummingbird as a pet. They have very specific needs that cannot be met in captivity without proper training and permits.
- Don’t Handle Unnecessarily: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Don’t Feed Human Food: Milk, bread, or other human foods are harmful to hummingbirds.
- Don’t Release Prematurely: A hummingbird that is not fully fledged and capable of feeding itself cannot survive on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the mother hummingbird reject her baby if I touch it?
No, this is a common myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so the mother hummingbird will not reject her baby because it smells like you. It’s perfectly safe to gently handle a baby hummingbird to return it to its nest.
How do I tell if a baby hummingbird is a nestling or a fledgling?
Nestlings are generally featherless or have pin feathers and are unable to fly. Fledglings are covered in feathers and are learning to fly, often hopping or fluttering on the ground. Fledglings may still be dependent on their mother for food.
What if I can’t reach the nest, even if I find it?
If the nest is too high to reach, try creating a temporary nest in a nearby shrub or tree, as close to the original nest as possible. Monitor the situation to see if the mother returns to feed the baby.
What do baby hummingbirds eat?
Baby hummingbirds primarily eat regurgitated nectar and insects provided by their mother. Do not attempt to feed them yourself unless instructed to do so by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How often do mother hummingbirds feed their babies?
Mother hummingbirds feed their babies very frequently, sometimes multiple times an hour. This is why it’s crucial to reunite the baby with its mother as soon as possible.
What are the signs of a healthy baby hummingbird?
A healthy baby hummingbird is alert, responsive, and has a strong grip. It will also open its mouth wide when it expects to be fed.
What kind of container should I use for a temporary nest?
A small, sturdy container like a margarine tub, berry basket, or small bowl works well. Line it with soft materials like paper towels or cotton balls, and ensure there are drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup.
How long can a baby hummingbird survive without food?
Baby hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and cannot survive long without food. They typically need to be fed every 20-30 minutes, making immediate action crucial.
Is it illegal to care for a wild hummingbird without a permit?
Yes, in most places it is illegal to care for wild animals, including hummingbirds, without the proper permits and licenses. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
What if I find a dead hummingbird nest?
If you find a dead nest, it is important to leave it in place. Other birds or even the same hummingbird may use it again in the future.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard to help prevent falls?
Planting native flowers that attract hummingbirds provides them with food and a safe habitat. Also, consider using a hummingbird-friendly feeder and keeping cats indoors to reduce the risk of predation.
Where can I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near me?
You can search online using terms like “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinarian for referrals.