What to Do with a Fledgling: A Guide to Helping Young Birds
If you find a fledgling, it’s crucial to understand that leaving it alone is often the best course of action. The parent birds are likely nearby, continuing to care for their young as it learns to fly.
Introduction: The Fledgling Phase
Finding a young bird hopping around on the ground can trigger an instinct to rescue. However, intervening unnecessarily can actually harm the bird. Understanding the fledgling stage is key to making the right decision. A fledgling is a young bird that has recently left its nest but is not yet fully capable of independent flight. This is a critical learning period where the parents continue to feed and teach the fledgling essential survival skills. Knowing what to do with a fledgling can significantly impact its chances of survival.
Identifying a Fledgling vs. a Nestling
It’s important to distinguish between a fledgling and a nestling. Mistaking one for the other can lead to inappropriate intervention.
- Nestlings: These are very young birds that are typically featherless or have only downy feathers. They are completely dependent on their parents and cannot survive outside the nest. Nestlings found on the ground need immediate assistance, as they have likely fallen from the nest and are in danger.
- Fledglings: These birds are nearly fully feathered but may still have some downy fluff. They can hop or flutter short distances. Fledglings are typically being cared for by their parents and should only be moved or helped if they are in immediate danger.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Nestling | Fledgling |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————– | ——————————————– |
| Feather Coverage | Mostly bare or downy feathers only | Mostly feathered, may have some downy fluff |
| Mobility | Immobile, cannot hop or fly | Can hop, flutter, or fly short distances |
| Dependence | Completely dependent on parents | Partially dependent, learning from parents |
| Typical Location | In the nest | On the ground near the nest |
| Action Required (If on Ground) | Needs immediate help and return to nest if possible | Usually best left alone, unless in danger |
When to Intervene: Assessing the Situation
Knowing what to do with a fledgling often comes down to careful observation. Intervention should only occur if the fledgling is clearly in danger. Here are some situations that warrant action:
- Obvious Injuries: If the fledgling has a broken wing, bleeding, or other visible injuries, it needs professional help. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
- Presence of Predators: If the fledgling is in an area with known predators (cats, dogs, etc.) and cannot escape on its own, you may need to move it to a safer location nearby.
- Prolonged Exposure to Extreme Weather: If the fledgling is exposed to extreme heat or cold and is showing signs of distress (panting, shivering), it may need temporary shelter.
- Visible Neglect: If the fledgling is visibly thin and appears weak after an extended period and you haven’t observed parent birds, intervention may be necessary. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Safe Relocation: “The Tucking”
If relocation is necessary, it should be done carefully and only a short distance. This is often referred to as “the tucking”. The goal is to move the fledgling to a safer spot within the parents’ territory without disrupting their care.
- Wear gloves to minimize the transfer of human scent (although birds have a poor sense of smell, this is still recommended).
- Gently pick up the fledgling and move it to a nearby bush, tree, or sheltered area that is out of immediate danger.
- Observe from a distance to see if the parents return to care for it.
The Importance of Parent Care
The parent birds play a vital role in the fledgling’s development. They teach the young bird how to forage for food, identify predators, and navigate its environment. Removing a fledgling from its parents’ care significantly reduces its chances of survival. Even experienced wildlife rehabilitators cannot perfectly replicate the natural learning process.
Common Mistakes: Actions to Avoid
Understanding what to do with a fledgling also means knowing what not to do. Here are some common mistakes people make:
- Assuming Abandonment: The most common mistake is assuming that a fledgling is abandoned simply because it is on the ground. Parent birds are usually nearby, even if you don’t see them.
- Bringing Fledglings Indoors: Taking a fledgling indoors disrupts its natural development and makes it difficult for the parents to find it. This should only be done under the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Attempting to Feed the Fledgling: Feeding a fledgling the wrong type of food can be harmful. Different species have different dietary needs. If you are unsure what to feed it, do not attempt to feed it at all.
- Keeping as Pet: Keeping native birds as pets is illegal in most jurisdictions and is detrimental to their well-being. Wild animals belong in the wild.
Finding a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If you determine that a fledgling needs professional help, finding a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is crucial. You can typically find a rehabilitator through your local animal shelter, humane society, or state wildlife agency. A rehabilitator has the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide the necessary care for injured or orphaned wildlife. Contacting a rehabilitator should be your first step if you suspect a bird is in trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does a fledgling typically look like?
A fledgling is a young bird that has most of its adult feathers but may still have some downy fluff. It can hop or flutter short distances, but its flight skills are not yet fully developed. They often have a slightly awkward or clumsy appearance.
Are the parents really nearby if I don’t see them?
Yes, in most cases, the parent birds are nearby, even if you don’t see them. They may be hidden in the foliage or actively foraging for food. Parent birds often stay close to their fledglings and monitor their progress.
What should I do if I find a fledgling in my yard and my cat is around?
If your cat poses a threat to the fledgling, it’s best to keep your cat indoors or confined to a leash while the fledgling is in your yard. You can also try to move the fledgling to a safer location nearby, such as a dense bush or tree, ensuring the parents can still find it.
Is it true that birds will reject their young if humans touch them?
This is a common myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so they are unlikely to reject their young based on human scent. However, it’s still best to wear gloves when handling a fledgling to minimize the transfer of any scents and bacteria.
What if I accidentally disturbed a nest and now there are nestlings on the ground?
If the nest is intact, carefully place the nestlings back into the nest. If the nest is destroyed, you can try to create a makeshift nest using a small basket or container lined with soft material. Secure the makeshift nest in a nearby tree or bush as close as possible to the original nest site.
How long do fledglings typically stay with their parents?
The length of time fledglings stay with their parents varies depending on the species. Some fledglings may become independent within a few weeks, while others may remain with their parents for several months. The parent birds continue to provide food and teach essential survival skills during this period.
Can I give a fledgling water?
If the fledgling appears dehydrated, you can offer it a small amount of water in a shallow dish or with an eyedropper. Be very careful not to force the water, as it could choke the bird. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance if the bird appears severely dehydrated.
What is the best thing I can do to help fledglings in my area?
The best way to help fledglings is to create a bird-friendly environment in your yard. This includes planting native trees and shrubs, providing a source of clean water, and avoiding the use of pesticides.
What if the fledgling seems afraid of me?
It’s natural for a fledgling to be afraid of humans. Try to avoid getting too close to the bird and observe it from a distance. If you need to move it, do so quickly and gently.
What if the fledgling keeps trying to fly into a window?
If a fledgling is repeatedly flying into a window, it may be mistaking the reflection for an open space. You can try to break up the reflection by hanging streamers, applying window decals, or using netting to prevent collisions.
Is it okay to feed the parent birds to help them care for their fledgling?
Providing supplemental food for the parent birds can be helpful, especially during times of scarcity. Offer them appropriate food sources that they can readily use, such as birdseed, mealworms or suet.
When should I give up and call a professional?
If you’ve tried everything and the fledgling still appears to be in distress, is injured, or you haven’t seen the parents after a reasonable amount of time (several hours, depending on the species), it’s time to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They can assess the situation and provide the necessary care.