It’s a common myth that if you touch a baby bird or move it from its nest, the mother bird will reject it. This is not true in most cases, as birds generally can’t smell human scent well enough to notice it on their babies. However, there are some important things to know if you find a baby bird out of its nest.
When should you intervene if you find a baby bird out of the nest?
In most cases, it’s best not to intervene if you find a baby bird hopping around on the ground. If the bird has most of its feathers and is hopping around alertly, it is likely a fledgling learning to fly. The parents are still taking care of it. You can put the bird on a nearby elevated surface or bush to protect it from predators.
You should only intervene if:
- The bird is naked or has very few feathers – nestling stage
- The bird is injured or lethargic
- The bird is in immediate danger from predators, weather, etc.
- The nest is damaged and the parents cannot feed it
In these cases, you’ll need to attempt to return the baby bird to its nest or seek wildlife rehabilitation assistance.
Can you put a baby bird back in the nest?
Yes, in most cases, you can safely return a baby bird to its nest without the parents rejecting it. Here are some tips:
- Wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent. You can also rub nesting material on your hands.
- Try to find the exact nest the bird fell from. Look for nests in nearby trees/bushes.
- Gently pick up the bird and return it to the nest. Don’t worry if parents aren’t present.
- If you can’t find the nest, you can create a makeshift one from a basket or container.
- Attach it as close to the original site as possible and observe from a distance.
The parents will usually return and continue caring for the chick. Keep monitoring to make sure they come back.
What if you can’t reach the nest or don’t know where it is?
If you can’t safely return the baby bird to its original nest, here are some options:
- Create a makeshift nest as described above and monitor it.
- Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
- Call animal control if you cannot reach a rehabilitator.
- Take the baby bird indoors and contact a wildlife center for advice.
Leaving the baby on the ground could be dangerous, so don’t do this unless the bird is a fledgling. Get professional advice before intervening whenever possible.
How do mother birds care for their young in the nest?
Parent birds are devoted caregivers for their chicks in the nest. Here is how they care for their babies:
Keeping Eggs Warm
Birds sit on their eggs almost constantly to provide warmth for embryonic development. The parents trade off incubation duties. They may take short breaks to eat and drink. Some species can even rearrange feathers to create direct skin contact.
Feeding the Chicks
Parent birds provide food for the chicks from hatching until fledging. Seed-eating birds regurgitate food, while insect-eaters bring back small invertebrates. The chicks beg for food with loud chirping sounds.
Protecting the Nest
Birds are highly protective of their nest and will attack perceived threats. Some distract predators by feigning injury. Others form mobs to drive intruders away. They may also build domed nests or use thorny shrubs for protection.
Teaching the Fledglings
As chicks grow feathers for flight, parents coax them out of the nest. They teach fledglings to find food, avoid dangers, and fly. Fledglings beg for food as they follow parents and practice flying skills.
Feeding and Defending Fledglings
Even after leaving the nest, fledglings cannot fully care for themselves. Parents continue to provide food as the young birds perfect their flying and feeding abilities. Adults defend fledglings fiercely from predators and other dangers.
Parent birds invest significant time and energy caring for young. Their devotion ensures the best chance of survival.
What are some common baby bird rescue mistakes?
When trying to rescue baby birds, there are some common mistakes that could harm them. Here are some things to avoid:
Taking Healthy Fledglings
Fledglings found hopping on the ground may appear abandoned but are often still dependent on parent care. Avoid disturbing healthy fledglings.
Feeding Them
Well-meaning people may try feeding baby birds. However, incorrect food can lead to malnutrition, aspiration, and death. Leave feeding to professionals.
Keeping Them as Pets
Wild baby birds imprint on their parents, not humans. They do not make good pets. Let rehabilitators return them to the wild whenever possible.
Housing Near Other Species
Baby birds should not be kept near other species at rehab centers. Comingling can facilitate disease transmission between species.
Releasing Too Early
Premature release before a bird can self-feed and fly well may lead to starvation or predation. Ensure baby birds develop adequate skills first.
Get professional advice and only intervene when truly needed. This gives baby birds the best chance of reuniting with parents or returning to the wild.
What should you do if you find a baby bird alone?
If you find a lone baby bird, follow these steps:
- Assess if the bird is injured, naked, or in immediate danger. Do not intervene if the bird is a healthy fledgling.
- If intervention is needed, gently pick up the bird and place in a ventilated container lined with a towel.
- Warm the bird if cold by placing one end of the container on a heating pad set to low.
- Do not try feeding it or giving water.
- Call wildlife rehabilitators for advice and options for care. There are directories online.
- Get the bird to a rehab expert as soon as possible. Care for it meanwhile per their instructions.
- Once rehabbed and ready, the baby bird has the best chance of surviving in the wild if released at original site.
With the right approach, a baby bird can often be rescued and returned to its parents or the wild to thrive. Being informed is key.
Conclusion
Baby birds found out of the nest often appear abandoned but frequently still need parental care. Avoid intervening with healthy fledglings. If a nestling or injured/endangered fledgling requires rescue, professional advice is best. With proper rehabilitation by experts, many baby birds can ultimately be returned to their parents or released back into the wild.
Age | Appearance | Behavior | Intervention Needed? |
---|---|---|---|
Nestling | Naked or with down | In nest, cannot stand or hop | Likely yes if out of nest |
Fledgling | Partially feathered | Hopping on ground, can’t fly | Only if injured/in danger |
Fully Feathered | Full juvenile plumage | Able to fly short distances | Only if injured/in danger |