It can be distressing to find a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest or been abandoned by its parents. As caring people, our natural instinct is to want to help these young birds survive. However, intervening to rescue baby birds should only be done in certain situations. Here is some guidance on what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest.
How to Tell if a Baby Bird is Abandoned
Before taking any action, it’s important to determine if the baby bird is truly abandoned or if the parents are still caring for it. Here are some signs that a baby bird is orphaned:
- You find a chick on the ground that has little to no feathers.
- There is a nest up above but no parents visit the chick for over an hour.
- A nestling is continually crying loudly and moving about dangerously in the nest.
- You observe a cat, dog or other predator disturb a nest and the parents do not return after the predator has left the area.
However, there are also many natural situations where a baby bird can be out of its nest but not require human intervention:
- The chick is fully feathered and hopping about energetically – it is likely a fledgling learning to fly.
- You find the bird in the morning – it may have accidentally fallen out during the night.
- The bird’s parents are nearby and feeding it.
Only if you confirm the baby bird is orphaned should you consider steps to rescue it. Avoid taking healthy fledglings away from their parents unnecessarily.
Steps to Rescue an Abandoned Baby Bird
If after observation you have determined the baby bird absolutely requires human help, here are some recommendations on how to safely rescue it:
- Wear thick gloves when handling the bird. Baby birds commonly have mites which can transfer to humans. Gloves will minimize this risk.
- Gently pick up the bird and place it in a cardboard box or ventilated pet carrier lined with a soft cloth. The box should have air holes punched in the sides.
- Do not give the baby bird food or water. This can be dangerous for birds that young if done improperly.
- Keep the bird somewhere warm, quiet and away from pets, children and noise.
- Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center, humane society or avian expert for advice. Arrange to take the bird to an appropriate facility as soon as possible.
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the proper training, facilities and diet to care for baby birds. They will be able to assess the bird’s condition, age it, and provide suitable food and housing until the bird is ready to be released back to the wild. Avoid keeping orphaned birds as pets.
Key Considerations When Handling Baby Birds
Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you rescue a baby bird:
- Avoid Imprinting – Baby birds can easily imprint on humans if handled too much. Limit contact and do not hand feed them.
- Watch for Agggression – As they grow, nestlings can become aggressive. Wear gloves when handling and keep children away.
- Provide Proper Heat – Chicks need external heat sources like hot water bottles or heating pads set on low. Do not use microwavable heat packs which can overheat.
- Act Quickly – Orphaned baby birds need professional care right away as they deteriorate rapidly. Time is critical.
- Never Give Bread/Milk – Bread/milk does not meet nutritional needs and can cause serious digestive issues.
When to Leave Baby Birds Alone
While you may want to help, there are situations where the best option is to leave a baby bird alone:
- You find healthy fledglings learning to fly. Parents are still feeding them.
- The bird is in an unsafe location but parents are attending to it. Monitor from a distance.
- The nest is high up on a building, tree or cliff side. Attempting to reach it may do more harm than good.
- The bird shows signs of contagious disease like discharge or inability to stand. Contact wildlife control.
Leaving the baby bird alone can give the parents a chance to reconnect with it. Have patience and monitor discreetly for signs of distress requiring intervention.
Alternatives if You Cannot Help the Bird
If you are unable to rescue an abandoned baby bird yourself, here are some other options to explore:
- Call local wildlife rehabilitators and humane societies and explain the situation. Many have volunteers who can perform rescues.
- Contact reputable bird-related organizations such as avian societies, bird clubs, or veterinary colleges.
- Post on neighborhood forums or social media groups asking if any experienced bird rescuers are willing to help.
- Code enforcement or animal control departments may be able to connect you with appropriate rescue resources.
- If the bird is in immediate danger, calling emergency services may be needed if other alternatives are exhausted.
Preventing Baby Birds from Falling from Nests
While rescuing baby birds is admirable, prevention is ideal. Here are tips to avoid baby birds falling from nests:
- Monitor nests built in unsafe locations and relocate them before eggs hatch if possible.
- Trim back branches around nests to provide a clear flight path for parents.
- Install nesting boxes or platforms to give birds safer nesting spots away from the ground.
- Block access to nests by predators. Use fences, netting or tree collars.
- Reduce human disturbance around nests, especially during spring and summer.
With some planning and awareness, you can reduce the chances of baby birds needing rescue in the first place.
In Conclusion
Discovering an abandoned baby bird can be a disturbing experience. However, there are steps you can take to help give the young bird its best chance at survival. Determine if the bird is truly orphaned, then contain it and get professional care right away. Avoid keeping the bird or hand feeding it yourself. With quick action, the baby bird can likely be rehabilitated and released back to the wild. Our responsible intervention can make all the difference in giving helpless baby birds a second chance at life.