What To Do If A Baby Bird Fell Out Of The Nest: A Comprehensive Guide
If you find a baby bird outside its nest, the first step isn’t always to interfere; often, the best course of action is to leave it be or attempt to return it to its nest. This guide provides clear instructions on what to do if a baby bird fell out of the nest, emphasizing assessing the situation first and only intervening when necessary to ensure the bird’s best chance of survival.
Understanding The Situation
Finding a baby bird seemingly abandoned can be distressing. However, it’s crucial to first determine why the bird is on the ground. Is it a helpless fledgling or a nestling who truly needs assistance? Understanding the bird’s stage of development and assessing its immediate surroundings are key factors in determining the appropriate course of action. Many fledglings, even though they appear vulnerable, are under the watchful eyes of their parents.
Fledgling vs. Nestling: Key Differences
Distinguishing between a fledgling and a nestling is paramount. A fledgling is a young bird that has recently left the nest and is learning to fly. They are typically fully feathered or mostly feathered, capable of hopping or short flights, and are often under the care of their parents, who continue to feed them. A nestling, on the other hand, is a young bird that is still entirely dependent on its parents. Nestlings are usually barely feathered or lack feathers altogether and are unable to move around independently.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Nestling | Fledgling |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | —————————————– | ———————————————- |
| Feathers | Barely feathered or no feathers | Fully or mostly feathered |
| Mobility | Unable to hop or fly | Can hop or fly short distances |
| Dependency | Entirely dependent on parents | Still dependent but learning independence |
| Likely Location | Should be in the nest | Found near the nest, often on the ground |
Immediate Assessment and First Steps
Before taking any action, observe the bird from a distance.
- Check for visible injuries: Look for signs of broken wings, bleeding, or other wounds. Injured birds will require immediate veterinary care or the attention of a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- Locate the nest: If the bird is a nestling, try to find its nest. It’s usually located in a nearby tree or shrub.
- Observe parental activity: Watch for the parent birds. They may be nearby, even if you don’t see them immediately.
- Weather Conditions: Check for harsh weather such as extreme heat or cold. If it is extreme conditions, temporary intervention might be necessary to prevent dehydration or hypothermia.
Returning a Nestling to the Nest
If the baby bird is a nestling and you can locate the nest, the best course of action is to gently return it to the nest. Despite common myths, birds cannot smell human scent, so touching the baby bird will not cause the parents to abandon it.
- Wear gloves (optional): While scent isn’t a deterrent, gloves can help protect you from any potential diseases the bird might carry.
- Gently pick up the nestling: Handle the bird carefully and gently.
- Place the nestling back in the nest: Ensure the bird is secure and comfortable in the nest.
- Monitor from a distance: Observe the nest for a while to ensure the parents return to feed the chick.
What To Do If The Nest Is Destroyed or Inaccessible
If the nest is destroyed, or if it is inaccessible, you can create a temporary nest using a small basket or container lined with soft materials like paper towels or grass. Secure the makeshift nest in a nearby tree or shrub, as close as possible to the original nest site. The parents will likely still be able to find and care for the chick in its temporary home.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
In certain situations, it’s crucial to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained to care for injured and orphaned wild animals.
- Visible injuries: If the bird is injured, contact a rehabilitator immediately.
- Exposure to predators: If the bird has been attacked by a cat or dog, it likely needs treatment, even if there are no visible wounds.
- Abandonment: If the parents do not return to care for the bird within a reasonable time (a few hours), despite your attempts to help, it may be abandoned.
- Weakness or illness: If the bird appears weak, lethargic, or shows signs of illness, it needs professional care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Intervening unnecessarily or providing improper care can be detrimental to a baby bird’s survival.
- Feeding the bird: Do not attempt to feed the bird without guidance from a wildlife rehabilitator. Different species require different diets, and feeding the wrong food can be harmful.
- Keeping the bird as a pet: It is illegal and unethical to keep a wild bird as a pet. They require specialized care and belong in their natural habitat.
- Assuming the bird is abandoned: Observe the bird from a distance before intervening to ensure the parents are not nearby.
Long-Term Care (If Necessary)
If a wildlife rehabilitator is unavailable, temporary care can be provided under expert guidance. This includes:
- Housing: Provide a warm, safe enclosure, such as a cardboard box lined with soft materials.
- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature, as baby birds are highly susceptible to cold.
- Feeding: Follow a rehabilitator’s instructions on what and how to feed the bird.
- Hygiene: Keep the enclosure clean to prevent the spread of disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Birds
What do you do if a baby bird fell out of the nest and the nest is too high to reach?
If the nest is too high to reach, create a temporary nest out of a small container, like a berry basket or plastic container with drainage holes, and line it with soft materials like paper towels or dry grass. Attach it securely to a nearby tree or branch as close as possible to the original nest site. Monitor from a distance to see if the parents find and continue to care for the chick.
Is it true that the mother bird will abandon her baby if humans touch it?
No, that’s a myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell and cannot detect human scent on their young. You can safely handle a baby bird to return it to its nest without fear of abandonment.
What should I feed a baby bird if I can’t get it to a rehabilitator right away?
Never attempt to feed a baby bird without specific instructions from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Different species have different dietary needs, and feeding the wrong food can be harmful or even fatal. Dehydration is a common issue, so offering a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte with a clean dropper can be a temporary solution, but professional advice is crucial.
How can I tell if a baby bird is injured and needs professional help?
Look for obvious signs of injury, such as broken wings or legs, bleeding, or difficulty moving. Also, if the bird has been caught by a cat or dog, it requires treatment immediately because their saliva can contain bacteria harmful to birds. A bird that appears weak, lethargic, or unable to stand is also likely injured or ill.
What’s the difference between a nestling and a fledgling?
A nestling is a young bird that’s still entirely dependent on its parents. It’s barely feathered or has no feathers at all and can’t move around much. A fledgling is a young bird that has recently left the nest. It’s mostly feathered, can hop or fly short distances, and is still being cared for by its parents.
How long should I wait to see if the parents come back after I put the baby bird back in the nest?
Observe the nest for at least one to two hours, preferably from a distance where you won’t disturb the parent birds. If the parents don’t return during that time, especially during daylight hours, the bird may be abandoned, and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What if I can’t find the nest?
If you cannot locate the original nest, create a temporary nest as described earlier and place it in a safe, sheltered spot close to where you found the bird. The parents may still be able to find it. If they don’t, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Is it illegal to keep a baby bird as a pet?
Yes, it is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep native wild birds as pets. They are protected by law, and keeping them without proper permits is a violation. Furthermore, wild birds require specialized care that most people cannot provide.
What should I do if I find a baby bird during extreme weather (heat wave or cold snap)?
During extreme weather, a baby bird’s survival is significantly threatened. If the bird is a nestling, immediately try to locate and return it to its nest. If you can’t find the nest, create a temporary nest and bring it indoors to a safe and temperature-controlled environment until the weather improves. Then, return the nest to a suitable location outside and monitor. Contact a rehabilitator for further instructions.
How do I protect a baby bird on the ground from predators like cats?
Keep pets indoors or on a leash when near areas where baby birds might be present. If you have to leave a baby bird unattended while trying to locate its nest or contact a rehabilitator, place it in a safe, covered container (like a cardboard box with air holes) to protect it from predators.
What types of materials should I use to line a temporary nest?
Use soft, natural materials like dried grass, leaves, or paper towels. Avoid using materials that could tangle around the bird’s feet or cause other harm, such as cotton balls or yarn. Change the lining frequently to keep it clean and dry.
Can a baby bird survive if it falls out of the nest?
A baby bird’s chances of survival depend heavily on its age, health, and the circumstances of the fall. Fledglings have a better chance as they are more developed and often still being cared for by their parents. Nestlings are more vulnerable and require immediate intervention. The best course of action is always to assess the situation and seek professional help from a wildlife rehabilitator when needed.