What Can Fledglings Eat? A Guide to Feeding Baby Birds
Fledglings require a high-protein, insect-rich diet to support their rapid growth, but the specific foods depend entirely on the species of bird. Understanding what can fledglings eat is crucial for successful rehabilitation if you find an injured or orphaned baby bird.
Introduction: The Hungry Fledgling
Finding a young bird outside of its nest can be a worrying experience. While our first instinct is often to help, it’s important to remember that many fledglings are naturally transitioning to independence. However, if a fledgling is visibly injured, featherless, or has been orphaned (the parents are confirmed deceased or have not been seen for an extended period), intervention might be necessary. Knowing what can fledglings eat becomes paramount in these situations. Incorrect feeding can be detrimental, even fatal. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the dietary needs of fledglings.
Understanding Fledgling Dietary Needs
Fledglings are at a crucial stage of development, requiring a diet that fuels rapid growth and feather development. Their primary food source in the wild is insects. Protein is essential for muscle building and feather growth, and the caloric density of insects provides the energy they need to learn to fly and forage. Different species have specific dietary preferences, emphasizing the importance of identification.
Identifying the Fledgling Species
Before attempting to feed a fledgling, accurate identification is key. Consult field guides, online resources (like bird identification websites or apps), or local wildlife rehabilitators. The type of bird dictates what can fledglings eat. For example:
- Insectivores: Primarily eat insects. Examples include robins, wrens, and swallows.
- Granivores: Primarily eat seeds. Examples include finches, sparrows, and cardinals.
- Frugivores: Primarily eat fruits. Examples include waxwings.
- Omnivores: Eat a mix of insects, seeds, and fruits. Examples include crows and jays.
Appropriate Food Sources for Insectivorous Fledglings
Insectivorous fledglings require a diet rich in protein from insects. Acceptable food sources include:
- Crickets: Readily available at pet stores and a good source of protein. Gut-loading them with nutritious food before feeding increases their value.
- Mealworms: Another common pet store insect. Offer sparingly due to their high chitin content which can be difficult to digest.
- Waxworms: High in fat; use sparingly as a treat.
- Fly larvae: Can be purchased or raised. A good source of protein.
- Dog food: High quality puppy food (moistened) can be an emergency substitute if insects are unavailable. Look for formulations with high meat content and minimal grains.
Important Note: Never feed fledglings milk, bread, or earthworms. These can cause serious digestive problems and even death.
Preparing and Delivering Food
- Size: Cut insects into small, manageable pieces appropriate for the fledgling’s size.
- Moistening: Moisten the food slightly with water to make it easier to swallow.
- Delivery: Use tweezers or a syringe (without the needle) to place food gently into the fledgling’s mouth. Do not force-feed.
- Frequency: Feed frequently, every 20-30 minutes, from dawn until dusk. Observe the fledgling’s crop (a pouch in their throat) to ensure it is emptying before each feeding.
Hydration
Fledglings also need water. Offer water from a syringe or eyedropper, one drop at a time, being careful not to aspirate them. Dehydration can be fatal.
Recognizing Signs of Illness
Watch for signs of illness or injury, such as:
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluffed-up feathers
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
If you observe any of these signs, seek professional help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can provide the necessary medical care and specialized diet that the fledgling needs.
Releasing the Fledgling
Once the fledgling is strong and able to feed itself, it’s time to release it back into the wild, ideally near where it was found (if safe). Provide a shallow dish of water and some food for the first few days.
Common Mistakes
- Feeding the wrong food: As emphasized before, incorrect food can be deadly.
- Overfeeding: Can lead to digestive problems.
- Forcing food: Can cause aspiration.
- Handling too much: Can cause stress.
- Keeping the fledgling too long: Wild animals need to be returned to the wild as soon as they are ready.
Working with a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Finding a local wildlife rehabilitator is always the best course of action. These trained professionals have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the best possible care for injured or orphaned wildlife. They can also properly identify the species and determine the appropriate diet. If you find a fledgling, contact a rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Table: Comparing Fledgling Diets Based on Bird Type
| Bird Type | Primary Diet | Examples | Suitable Food Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| ———– | ———————- | ————————————— | —————————————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Insectivores | Insects | Robins, Wrens, Swallows | Crickets, mealworms (sparingly), fly larvae, waxworms (treat), moistened puppy food (emergency) |
| Granivores | Seeds | Finches, Sparrows, Cardinals | Commercial birdseed mix (finely ground), soft fruits (mashed), moistened puppy food (emergency) |
| Frugivores | Fruits | Waxwings | Mashed soft fruits (berries, bananas), fruit baby food, moistened puppy food (emergency) |
| Omnivores | Insects, Seeds, Fruits | Crows, Jays | Mixture of insects, seeds (finely ground), and fruits (mashed), moistened puppy food (emergency) |
The Importance of Natural Foraging Skills
While providing food is necessary for orphaned or injured fledglings, it is also essential to encourage natural foraging behaviors as soon as possible. Offer food in ways that simulate natural foraging, such as placing insects in leaf litter or scattering seeds on the ground. This helps the fledgling develop the skills it needs to survive in the wild. Teaching them what can fledglings eat in a natural setting is critical for their long-term survival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I feed a fledgling bread or milk?
No, never feed a fledgling bread or milk. Bread offers no nutritional value and can cause digestive impaction. Milk is not digestible by birds and can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration. These foods are detrimental to the fledgling’s health and can even be fatal.
What if I don’t know what kind of bird it is?
If you’re unsure of the species, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can identify the bird and provide specific feeding instructions. In the meantime, moistened puppy food or scrambled eggs can serve as a temporary, general-purpose option.
How often should I feed a fledgling?
Fledglings need to be fed frequently, typically every 20-30 minutes from dawn until dusk. Monitor their crop (a pouch in their throat) to ensure it empties before each feeding.
How much should I feed a fledgling at each feeding?
The amount of food depends on the size of the fledgling. Offer small pieces of food until the fledgling stops accepting them. Don’t force-feed. Observe their crop to see if it is full, but not overly distended.
Can I give a fledgling water from a bird bath?
No, do not give water from a bird bath. The water in bird baths can contain bacteria and parasites that can make the fledgling sick. Instead, offer small drops of water from a syringe or eyedropper.
Is it okay to handle a fledgling with my bare hands?
Avoid excessive handling. If you must handle a fledgling, wear gloves to minimize the risk of transferring diseases.
What do I do if the fledgling won’t open its mouth?
Gently tap the side of the beak. This sometimes stimulates a feeding response. If the fledgling still refuses to open its mouth, seek advice from a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do I keep the fledgling warm?
Fledglings need to be kept warm. Place them in a lined box with a heat source, such as a heating pad set on low or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Monitor the temperature to ensure the fledgling is comfortable.
When is a fledgling ready to be released?
A fledgling is ready for release when it is fully feathered, able to fly strongly, and can forage for food on its own. Consult with a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure the fledgling is truly ready for release.
Where should I release a fledgling?
Release the fledgling in a safe area near where it was found (if safe). Provide a shallow dish of water and some food for the first few days. Avoid areas with heavy traffic or predators.
What if I see the parents feeding the fledgling on the ground?
If you see the parents actively feeding the fledgling, do not interfere. The fledgling is likely learning to fly and the parents are still caring for it.
Is it legal to keep a wild bird as a pet?
No, it is generally illegal to keep a wild bird as a pet without the proper permits. Contact your local wildlife agency for more information on regulations in your area. Trying to keep a wild bird will almost certainly lead to its death and it’s illegal to keep most wild birds without specific permits.