Finding a young bird that cannot fly yet can be concerning. As caring humans, our instinct is to want to help the little one. However, before taking any action, it’s important to understand the situation and follow proper protocols. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps you should take if you find a fledgling or nestling bird that is not yet able to fly.
Assessing the Situation
The first thing you’ll want to figure out is what type of young bird you have found. There are two main categories:
- Fledglings – These are young birds that have left the nest, but still cannot fly fully. They are learning to fly, but need time to develop their flight skills. Fledglings may be found hopping on the ground or perched in bushes or trees.
- Nestlings – Nestlings are baby birds that are not mature enough to leave the nest. If you find a featherless or sparsely feathered young bird on the ground, it is likely a nestling.
Identifying what type of young bird you have found will determine the next recommended actions. Fledglings and nestlings require different responses.
If it’s a Fledgling
In many cases, a fledgling found on the ground is normal. This is part of their development as they learn to fly. It’s recommend you leave a fledgling alone and monitor it from a distance. The parents are still feeding and caring for it. Here are some guidelines for fledglings:
- Leave the fledgling alone if it’s in a safe spot in your yard, or gently move it to a nearby bush or hidden area if needed.
- Avoid touching fledglings directly. Use gloves or a towel if you must relocate them.
- Check that the fledgling appears healthy and uninjured. Look for feather fluffing, energetically hopping, and responsiveness.
- Keep cats, dogs, and curious kids away from the fledgling.
- Monitor from a distance of at least 10-15 feet. You should see the parents visiting periodically to feed.
- Never attempt to return a fledgling to the nest. This can disturb the nest and may be illegal.
- Only intervene if the fledgling is clearly injured or in immediate danger. In that case, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
In most cases, the parents will continue to care for the fledgling until it can fly and function fully on its own. This may take 2-10 days or more after leaving the nest. Avoid unnecessary interference during this important development period.
If it’s a Nestling
Finding a nestling on the ground is more serious than a fledgling. The nestling likely fell out or was knocked out of the nest prematurely. A nestling has almost no chance of survival on the ground without the parents. In this situation, quick action is needed. Here are guidelines for nestlings:
- First priority is to return the nestling to the nest if possible. This gives it the greatest chance of survival with the parents continuing to feed it.
- Gently pick up the nestling and locate the nest. It may be high up in a tree which can make replacing difficult.
- If you can reach the nest, place the nestling inside. Observe to ensure the parents return and resume feeding.
- If the nest cannot be reached, create a substitute nest in a hanging basket or similar container. Secure it as close to the original nest site as possible.
- Only provide temporary assistance as a last resort if the nest absolutely cannot be located or reached.
- Keep the nestling in a covered box with air holes on a heating pad set to low. Do not give it food or water.
- Get in touch with a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the proper training and resources to care for the nestling.
It is against the law to keep wild baby birds if you do not have the necessary permits. Always contact wildlife experts promptly when a nestling requires assistance. Avoid any amateur rehabilitation attempts.
General Tips
Here are some additional pointers when dealing with fledglings or nestlings:
- Do not assume a young bird is injured simply because it cannot fly. Monitor its activity to check if parents are still feeding.
- Approach quietly and gently to avoid scaring an uninjured fledgling. Loud noises and chasing can separate it from parents.
- Never give young birds food, water, or medicine. This can do more harm than good if done improperly.
- Keep cats indoors and dogs supervised. Many young birds are killed by unrestrained pets.
- Monitor the situation from a distance. Don’t linger nearby which can deter the parents from visiting.
- Avoid relocating the young bird unless absolutely necessary. The parents may have trouble finding it.
Use good judgment, restraint, and compassion when deciding how to intervene. Leaving fledglings alone is often the best action. Seek expert advice right away if a nestling or injured bird needs rehabilitation.
When to Get Help
Here are signs that indicate a fledgling or nestling requires wildlife rehabilitator assistance:
- Clear injuries – bleeding, broken wing or leg, concussion, etc.
- Feathers badly ruffled and puffed up continually.
- Sitting still for extended periods without moving or feeding.
- Unable to stand, unstable walking, or head tilting sideways.
- Condition is deteriorating over time, weakening.
- Cat or dog has made contact with the bird.
Young birds can go downhill quickly without proper care. At the first sign something is wrong, contact a wildlife professional. Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator [your city/state]” to find the closest options.
What Not to Do
When dealing with young birds, there are some definite DON’Ts to avoid harming the fledgling/nestling and breaking the law:
- Do NOT attempt to return a fledgling to the nest.
- Do NOT keep a wild young bird if you lack permits and proper training.
- Do NOT give food, water, or medicine to the bird.
- Do NOT let pets harass, injure, or kill the bird.
- Do NOT ignore signs the bird needs help from an expert.
- Do NOT interact excessively. Monitor from a distance.
Always put the young bird’s best interests first. Incorrect rehabilitation attempts often end tragically. Focus on safely reuniting birds with parents or getting them to licensed wildlife care.
Legal Considerations
There are a few key laws to keep in mind when handling young wild birds:
- It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to keep native wild birds (dead or alive) without permits.
- Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators can legally possess songbirds, raptors, waterfowl etc. Special training and facilities are required.
- Nest destruction and nest removal is illegal for species protected under the MBTA like swallows, robins, finches.
- Harming, harassing, or killing wild birds can potentially violate wildlife protection laws and lead to fines.
Check your state and local regulations too. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and contact authorities to avoid legal risks.
Non-Native Birds
The rules change slightly if you find a non-native bird like a pet parakeet, escaped canary, or pigeon:
- Report found pet birds to animal control in case an owner is searching.
- Post “Found Bird” signs in the neighborhood to locate potential owners.
- Can keep the bird temporarily while attempting to find the owner.
- Offer the bird to new owners or bird rescue groups if owner is not located.
- Feral pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows are not protected by federal law. Local regulations may still apply.
Even non-native young birds should not be kept indefinitely without proper captive bird training and facilities. Work to reunite pet birds with owners or transfer to experienced bird caretakers.
Conclusion
Discovering a fledgling or nestling bird can be worrisome. But in many cases, the best action is leaving the bird alone so the parents can continue providing care. Only intervene directly if the bird is in immediate danger or clearly needs rehabilitation. Use extreme caution, and contact wildlife experts whenever possible. With some basic knowledge and common sense, you can help a young bird in need successfully fledge and return to the wild.