What if You Find a Baby Bird on the Ground? A Comprehensive Guide
Finding a baby bird on the ground can be alarming, but the best course of action isn’t always obvious. This guide clarifies when and how to help, ensuring you make the best decision for the baby bird’s welfare. What if you find a baby bird on the ground? Often, the answer is to leave it alone or help it return to its nest.
Understanding the Situation: Fledglings vs. Nestlings
Before intervening, it’s crucial to identify the bird’s stage of development. This significantly impacts whether intervention is necessary and how to proceed.
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Nestlings: These are young birds that are not yet fully feathered. They often have bare skin, closed eyes (or barely open), and can’t hop or fly. Nestlings have fallen out of their nests prematurely.
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Fledglings: These are young birds that are mostly feathered, though their feathers may be fluffy. They can hop or flutter short distances, and their parents are typically nearby, continuing to feed them. Fledglings are learning to fly.
Assessing the Bird’s Condition
Carefully observe the bird for signs of injury or illness.
- Visible Injuries: Check for broken wings, legs, or open wounds. If present, the bird needs professional help.
- Weakness or Lethargy: A bird that appears unresponsive or unable to move properly likely needs assistance.
- Predator Threat: If the bird is in immediate danger from cats, dogs, or other predators, relocate it to a safer spot nearby, ideally a bush or low-hanging branch.
The Myth of Parental Rejection
A common misconception is that parent birds will reject their young if humans touch them. This is largely untrue. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so handling a baby bird won’t cause the parents to abandon it.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do
Here’s a clear process to follow when encountering a baby bird on the ground:
- Identify: Determine if it’s a nestling or a fledgling.
- Observe: Look for injuries or signs of distress.
- Locate the Nest: If it’s a nestling, search for the nest. If you can find the nest, gently place the bird back inside. Even if you’re unsure it’s the correct nest, the parents may still care for the bird.
- Create a Substitute Nest (If Necessary): If the original nest is destroyed or unreachable, you can create a temporary nest using a small container lined with paper towels or grass. Place the substitute nest as close as possible to the original nest site.
- Monitor: Observe the bird from a distance to see if the parents return to care for it. Give the parents at least an hour to return.
- Seek Professional Help (If Needed): If the bird is injured, appears orphaned (parents haven’t returned), or you’re unsure how to proceed, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
It’s best to seek professional help in the following situations:
- The bird is clearly injured (broken bones, wounds).
- The bird is a nestling, and you cannot locate or reach the nest.
- The parents do not return to care for the bird after a reasonable amount of time (1-2 hours).
- The bird is weak, lethargic, or unresponsive.
- You are unsure of the bird’s species or needs.
- The bird is in immediate danger and cannot be safely relocated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding the Bird: Avoid feeding the bird anything unless instructed by a wildlife rehabilitator. Improper food can cause serious health problems.
- Keeping the Bird as a Pet: It’s illegal to possess most wild birds, and they require specialized care that most people cannot provide.
- Handling the Bird Excessively: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Assuming the Bird is Abandoned: Often, the parents are nearby and observing from a distance.
Preventing Birds from Falling Out of Nests
While accidents happen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of birds falling from nests:
- Keep Cats Indoors: Cats are a major threat to birds, especially fledglings.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Prune branches that obstruct nests or provide easy access for predators.
- Provide Safe Nesting Sites: Offer birdhouses or nesting materials to encourage birds to nest in safe locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the parent birds reject the baby if I touch it?
No, this is a common myth. Parent birds have a poor sense of smell, and handling a baby bird briefly will not cause them to abandon it. However, minimize handling to reduce stress on the bird.
What do I feed a baby bird if I can’t find its parents?
You should never feed a baby bird unless directed to by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Different species have vastly different dietary needs, and improper feeding can cause severe health issues or even death. Contact a rehabilitator for guidance.
How long should I wait for the parents to return before taking action?
Give the parents at least one to two hours to return before intervening, especially if it’s a fledgling. Observe from a distance to avoid scaring them away.
What if I can’t reach the nest to put the baby bird back?
If the nest is too high or inaccessible, you can create a temporary nest in a nearby tree or bush using a small container lined with soft materials. Place the baby bird in the substitute nest and monitor for the parents’ return.
Is it illegal to keep a baby bird as a pet?
Yes, it is illegal to keep most wild birds as pets without the proper permits. Wild birds require specialized care and are protected by law.
What does a wildlife rehabilitator do?
A wildlife rehabilitator is a trained and licensed professional who cares for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.
How can I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?
You can find a wildlife rehabilitator through your local animal shelter, humane society, or by searching online directories like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA).
What should I do if I find a baby bird in my yard and my cat is outside?
Immediately bring your cat indoors. Cats are a significant threat to baby birds, even if they don’t appear aggressive. Once the cat is inside, assess the bird’s condition and follow the steps outlined earlier in this article.
Should I wear gloves when handling a baby bird?
While not strictly necessary, wearing gloves (garden gloves or similar) can help protect both you and the bird from potential diseases or parasites. It also minimizes the risk of transferring any scents that might be unsettling to the bird.
What are some signs that a baby bird is injured?
Signs of injury include visible wounds, broken wings or legs, inability to stand or move properly, bleeding, or a general appearance of being weak or lethargic.
What is the best way to transport an injured baby bird to a rehabilitator?
Gently place the bird in a well-ventilated box lined with soft materials like paper towels. Keep the box in a quiet, dark, and warm location. Avoid handling the bird excessively and contact the rehabilitator as soon as possible.
What if the baby bird looks perfectly healthy but is still on the ground?
If the bird is a fledgling and appears healthy, it’s likely just learning to fly. The parents are probably nearby, continuing to care for it. Observe from a distance and avoid interfering unless the bird is in immediate danger. Don’t assume the bird is abandoned just because it’s on the ground. What if you find a baby bird on the ground that looks healthy? Leave it be.