What Happens When a Baby Bird Falls Out of Its Nest?
When a baby bird falls out of its nest, its chances of survival are often slim, but not hopeless; the outcome depends greatly on the bird’s age, location, and the availability of human intervention. What happens when a baby bird falls out of its nest? depends heavily on whether it is a fledged or unfledged bird.
Understanding the Plight of Fallen Baby Birds
The sight of a small, helpless bird on the ground can tug at the heartstrings. But before rushing to the rescue, it’s crucial to understand What happens when a baby bird falls out of its nest? naturally and how you can best assist its chances of survival. Many well-intentioned rescues can actually do more harm than good. Knowing the difference between a fledgling and an unfledged bird is the first step.
Fledglings vs. Unfledged Birds
Distinguishing between a fledgling and an unfledged bird is critical in determining the appropriate course of action.
- Fledglings: These are young birds that have recently left the nest but are not yet fully independent. They usually have most of their feathers, can hop or flutter, and are being cared for by their parents. Their parents are likely nearby, still feeding and protecting them. Intervention is usually unnecessary.
- Unfledged Birds: These are baby birds that are too young to be out of the nest. They lack feathers or are only partially feathered, cannot hop or walk, and are entirely dependent on their parents. These birds need help.
Assessing the Situation
Before intervening, carefully assess the situation. Consider these factors:
- Is the bird injured? Look for obvious signs of injury, such as broken wings or legs, bleeding, or inability to stand.
- Is the bird in immediate danger? Is it in the path of traffic, exposed to predators (cats, dogs), or in harsh weather conditions?
- What kind of bird is it? Different species have different needs and behaviors.
- Is the nest nearby? If so, attempt to return the bird to its nest.
Returning the Bird to the Nest (If Possible)
Despite common misconceptions, parent birds will not reject their young because they have been touched by humans . Birds have a poor sense of smell. If the bird is unfledged and the nest is accessible, gently return it to the nest.
- Locate the nest: Search the surrounding trees and bushes for the nest.
- Gently pick up the bird: Use gloves if available.
- Place the bird in the nest: Ensure it is secure.
- Observe from a distance: Monitor the nest to ensure the parents return to feed the chick.
What to Do If the Nest Is Inaccessible or Destroyed
If the nest is inaccessible or has been destroyed, there are still options:
- Create a temporary nest: Use a small container (e.g., a berry basket or margarine tub) lined with soft materials like paper towels or dry grass. Secure it in a sheltered location near the original nest site. The parents may still find and care for the chick.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: This is the best option for injured or very young, unfledged birds. Wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise and resources to provide proper care.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
It is crucial to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if:
- The bird is injured.
- The bird is unfledged and you cannot locate or reach the nest.
- The bird appears sick or weak.
- The bird has been attacked by a cat or dog, even if there are no visible injuries. Cat saliva is toxic to birds.
- The bird is a raptor (hawk, owl, eagle). These birds require specialized care.
Providing Temporary Care (If Necessary)
If you must provide temporary care before getting the bird to a rehabilitator, follow these guidelines:
- Keep the bird warm: Place it in a cardboard box lined with soft cloth or paper towels. Use a heating pad set on low under half of the box, allowing the bird to move away if it gets too warm.
- Do not feed the bird: Improper feeding can do more harm than good. Different species have different dietary needs. Wait for the rehabilitator’s instructions.
- Minimize handling: Stress can be detrimental to the bird’s health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many well-intentioned actions can harm a fallen baby bird:
- Feeding the bird bread or milk: These foods are not nutritious and can cause digestive problems.
- Keeping the bird as a pet: It is illegal and unethical to keep wild birds as pets. They require specialized care and have a low survival rate in captivity without proper expertise.
- Releasing the bird too early: Make sure the bird is fully feathered, can fly well, and can forage for food before releasing it. The rehabilitator will guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about What happens when a baby bird falls out if its nest? and how to help:
Is it true that parent birds will abandon their young if they are touched by humans?
No, this is a common myth. Parent birds have a poor sense of smell and will not reject their young simply because they have been touched by a human . It is perfectly safe to return a baby bird to its nest. The crucial factor is whether the parents are still caring for the chick.
What if I can’t reach the nest to put the baby bird back?
If you cannot reach the nest, try creating a temporary nest nearby using a small container lined with soft materials . Place the baby bird in the makeshift nest and monitor it from a distance. The parents may still be able to find and care for it.
What should I feed a baby bird if I have to care for it temporarily?
- It is generally best NOT to feed a baby bird without the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator. Different species have different dietary needs, and feeding the wrong food can be harmful or even fatal. However, if instructed to do so by a rehabilitator, mealworms are a common and protein-rich option.
How can I tell if a baby bird is injured?
Look for obvious signs of injury such as broken wings or legs, bleeding, or an inability to stand or move normally . Even if there are no visible injuries, a bird that appears weak, lethargic, or unresponsive may be injured internally.
What should I do if a cat has caught a baby bird?
- Even if there are no visible injuries, a baby bird that has been caught by a cat needs immediate veterinary care or care from a wildlife rehabilitator . Cat saliva contains bacteria that are toxic to birds, and even a small scratch can be fatal.
How long can a baby bird survive out of the nest?
The survival time depends on the age of the bird, the weather conditions, and the availability of food and shelter . Unfledged birds can only survive for a few hours without warmth and food, while fledglings can survive longer if their parents are still caring for them.
What does a wildlife rehabilitator do?
- Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who provide medical care, food, and shelter to injured, orphaned, or sick wild animals . Their goal is to rehabilitate these animals and release them back into their natural habitat.
Is it legal to keep a wild bird as a pet?
No, it is illegal in most places to keep wild birds as pets without the proper permits . Wild birds are protected by law, and keeping them in captivity can be detrimental to their well-being.
How do I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?
You can find a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators through your state’s Fish and Wildlife agency, the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), or the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) .
What is the difference between a nestling and a fledgling?
A nestling is a baby bird that is still entirely dependent on its parents and confined to the nest, lacking feathers or only partially feathered. A fledgling is a young bird that has recently left the nest but is not yet fully independent, having most of its feathers and able to hop or flutter .
What if I find a baby bird that looks healthy and is hopping around, but I can’t find the nest?
This is likely a fledgling. It is best to leave it alone unless it is in immediate danger . Its parents are probably nearby, still feeding and caring for it. Observe from a distance to ensure its safety.
Can I use gloves to handle a baby bird?
Yes, using gloves when handling a baby bird is a good idea to minimize the transfer of germs and oils from your skin to the bird’s delicate feathers . Clean gloves are ideal, but even gardening gloves are better than bare hands.