How to Help an Orphaned Baby Bird
Help for A Hatchling or Fledgeling That Has Fallen From Its Nest
Sep 27, 2008
Most cities and towns have some sort of licensed wildlife rescue or animal shelter who will be able to assist you, so your job is simply to get the bird to them as soon as possible. Often, the local police will know who to call. Make sure you are using the police non-emergency number (do not call 911.) But first, you will need to be sure that you are not "birdnapping" a baby who is being cared for by its parents. If you are certain that the bird's parents are dead or not caring for it, contact a wildlife rehabilitator right away and skip to the last section of this article.
If You Have Found a Baby Bird Who Has Fallen From the Nest:
Please ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the baby bird fuzzy, or is it feathered?
- Is it making any noise or gaping (opening its mouth wide?)
- Do you see lesions, blood, or protruding bone? Is anything obviously broken?
- Can you locate the nest? Are the parents hanging around?
If the Bird is Fully Feathered and Uninjured:
This is a fledgling--a bird learning to fly--and the parents are probably still taking care of it. It is supposed to be on the ground. However, if there are lots of cats/dogs/people roaming the area, you may want to move the bird to a low branch of tree near where you found it (it is not true that the parents won’t take back a bird touched by humans.)
If the Bird Has More Fuzz Than Feather:
- Can the bird be returned to the nest? Again, It is a myth that a bird handled by a human will be rejected by its parents. However, if you return the bird to the nest and the parents toss the baby out again, it may mean that they have already rejected this baby for reasons beyond our understanding. Possibly the baby has a hidden deformity or food resources are scarce and the parents have decided to tend to its siblings only. In this case, the baby will need to go to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
- If you have an idea where the nest is, but cannot reach it: You can attach a small basket or a margarine tub with holes cut in the bottom for drainage lined with grass and leaves to a sturdy branch out of direct sunlight. Put baby bird in the new “nest,” then observe over the next few hours to see if the parents come to the baby. If the parents do not come, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
While Waiting for Help to Arrive:
Please do not try to feed a baby bird. Hatchlings eat pre-digested food vomited directly into their mouths by the parents. The biggest mistake amateur rescuers make is trying to feed a bird milk (they can't digest it) or bread. However, it may be a good idea to give the baby a little water. Simply wet your pinkie finger and gently put the tip in the birdie's mouth.
It is important to keep the baby warm while awaiting the wildlife rescuer. Remember, a bird has a higher temperature than a human, so your hands are always cool to them. A heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle is suitable for temporarily warming a baby.
Only if there are no wildlife rehabilitators in your area should you try to raise the baby yourself. If you must go this route, do your research! For starters, you can consult this BABYBIRDS website.
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