It’s that time of year when baby birds are taking their first flights from the nest. If you find a fledgling swallow on the ground, it can be tempting to intervene, but should you? Here are some quick answers to common questions about dealing with fledgling swallows:
Is it normal for a baby swallow to be on the ground?
Yes, it is completely normal for a baby swallow to end up on the ground in the first few days after it leaves the nest. Fledgling swallows are learning to fly and can be a bit clumsy at first. The parents are still feeding and watching over the baby, even when it’s hopping around on the ground.
Should I put the baby swallow back in the nest?
No, you should not attempt to put a fledgling swallow back in the nest. Fledglings naturally leave the nest before they can fly perfectly. Their feathers are still developing and won’t hold them up in the nest. If you try to return them, they will just jump out again. It’s best to leave them where they are.
Will the parents abandon the baby if I touch it?
It’s unlikely that the parents will abandon a baby swallow if you touch it. Many people believe this is true, but there is no evidence that touching a baby bird leads to abandonment. The parents are devoted to caring for their young and will continue to do so even if humans intervene.
When should I intervene to help a fledgling swallow?
You should only intervene if the baby swallow is clearly in distress. Signs that the bird needs help include:
- Bleeding from injury
- Entangled in material like string
- Attacks by predators
- Continual vocalizations from the baby over an extended time
- No sign of parents tending to the baby after several hours
If you see any of theseemergency signs, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
How can I safely handle an injured or orphaned fledgling?
Here are some tips for safely handling a baby swallow that needs intervention:
- Wear thick gloves to avoid potential bites. Swallows may look small but can give a nasty pinch with their beaks.
- Gently contain the bird in a towel to prevent injury from thrashing.
- Keep handling to a minimum. Try not to expose the bird to any unnecessary stress.
- Use a cardboard box lined with a towel to transport the bird.
- Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet space until you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Do not attempt to feed the bird or give it water.
Getting professional care quickly gives the fledgling the best chance of survival.
What should I do if the parents are dive-bombing me?
It can be alarming to have protective parent swallows swooping at your head! But they are just trying to ward off a perceived threat to their baby. Here’s what you should do:
- Avoid sudden movements, which can provoke more attacking.
- Cover your head with your hands and walk calmly away from the area.
- Never attempt to strike or swat at the parent swallows.
- If you need to rescue the baby, wave a stick or hat above your head to deter the parents as you approach.
- The attacks should stop once you move a safe distance away.
The parents are only being aggressive to defend their baby. Their behavior will stop once the perceived danger is gone.
How can I tell if a baby swallow is a nestling or fledgling?
Determining the stage of development can help you make the best decision about what to do if you find a baby swallow out of the nest. Here are some identification tips:
Nestlings
- Have sparse downy feathers or are naked
- Eyes are closed or partially open
- Movement is limited to scooting along with wings
- Requires constant care and feeding by parents
Fledglings
- Are fully feathered
- Eyes are open
- Can hop and perch skillfully
- Parents continue to feed and monitor
Nestlings found on the ground need immediate rescue. Fledglings can usually be left for the parents to care for.
What are signs that a baby swallow is in good health?
Here are some things to look for to determine that a fledgling swallow you find on the ground is healthy:
- Feathers are smooth and orderly
- Eyes, beak, and vent are free of discharge
- Breathing without noise or effort
- Shows a righting reflex to sit upright when placed on back
- Has enough energy to hop, flap wings, and chirp
- Takes interest in nearby insects and worms
As long as the baby seems active and parents are still caring for it, the fledgling is okay for now.
What diseases or health issues affect swallows?
Some common health concerns that impact swallows include:
- Salmonellosis – Bacterial disease that causes diarrhea. Transmits through contaminated food and feces.
- Trichomoniasis – Parasitic disease that impairs swallowing and digestion.
- Aspergillosis – Fungal respiratory illness from mold spores.
- Feather mites – Microscopic mites that can irritate skin and hamper feather growth.
- Avian pox – Viral disease causing wart-like lesions on skin and beak.
Sick swallows may show signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen eyes, and unkempt feathers. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if illness is suspected.
What predators may threaten swallows?
Swallows face predation threats from various animals:
- Hawks – Larger hawks prey on adult swallows. Sparrowhawks specialize in taking them in flight.
- Owls – Powerful nocturnal hunters that snatch sleeping swallows.
- Falcons – Peregrine falcons are a lethal predator, especially of cliff-nesting species.
- Snakes – Snakes raid nests for eggs and chicks. Some can climb trees and walls.
- Crows – Very intelligent birds that may eat eggs or injured fledglings.
- Squirrels – Agile tree squirrels plunder nests for eggs.
- Cats – Excellent bird hunters that stalk fledglings on the ground.
Predation is a natural threat swallows contend with, especially while young are vulnerable.
What are good swallow attracting and nesting habitats to provide?
You can make your property more swallow-friendly with these habitat enhancements:
- Open areas for aerial insect feeding
- Ponds, streams, or wetlands that attract insect swarms
- Bare areas of mud for nest construction
- Sheltered eaves, ledges, or cavities for nest sites
- Nest boxes or platforms made specially for swallows
- Vertical surfaces like walls or cliffs with good traction
- Nearby perches like wires, fence posts, or tree branches
Ensuring plentiful food sources and secure nesting spots will create an enticing home for swallows in your yard.
What is the typical lifespan of a wild swallow?
The average lifespan of swallows in the wild is approximately:
- Tree swallow: 2-8 years
- Violet-green swallow: 5-12 years
- Barn swallow: 2-7 years
- Cliff swallow: 3-6 years
- Bank swallow: 2-5 years
- Cave swallow: 3-8 years
However, many swallows don’t survive their first year. The high mortality rates of juveniles bring down averages. Those that do survive can live into double digits.
Conclusion
Finding a fledgling swallow on the ground can stir up some worry. But in most cases, the best option is to leave the baby alone and let the watchful parents continue providing care. Only intervene if the bird is in obvious distress or danger. Creating a safe backyard habitat helps swallow families thrive in your area. With some basic knowledge of swallow behavior and biology, you can coexist well with these aerial acrobats.