Caring for a baby bird is a big responsibility, but it can also be a rewarding experience if you know what to do. You can help a baby bird survive by checking its health, providing warmth, offering the right food, and knowing when to seek expert help. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to leave the bird alone if its parents are nearby and it is not in immediate danger.
Many people stumble upon a baby bird on the ground and want to help, but it’s important to act with care. Simple steps can make all the difference, like making a safe space, keeping it warm, and feeding it the right foods. Understanding when and how to step in – and when to call a professional – can truly impact the bird’s chances to grow and thrive. For more information, you can visit the National Audubon Society’s guide on helping baby birds or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s advice.
Key Takeaways
- Assess the baby bird’s situation and health before acting
- Provide emergency care only when needed and use safe feeding practices
- Know when to contact a wildlife expert for further help
Assessing the Situation When You Find a Baby Bird
When you find a baby bird outside its nest, it’s important to observe carefully before you do anything. The bird’s age, condition, and location can change what kind of help is needed. You can read more about identifying and helping baby birds on the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website.
Identifying Nestlings and Fledglings
First, look at the baby bird to find out if it is a nestling or a fledgling. Nestlings are very young and usually have no feathers or just a few. They often look pink and their eyes might be closed or partly open. You will likely see them sitting still and unable to hop or walk.
Fledglings have most of their feathers and are able to hop or flutter. Their tails and wings may look shorter than those of adult birds. Fledglings often leave the nest and stay on the ground while learning to fly. It’s normal for wild birds at this stage to seem awkward or vulnerable.
Table: Key Differences
| Feature | Nestling (Needs Nest) | Fledgling (Learning to Fly) |
|---|---|---|
| Feathers | Few or none | Mostly feathered |
| Activity | Can’t hop or walk | Can hop or walk |
| Eyes | Sometimes closed | Open and alert |
| Need for Rescue | Often yes | Usually no unless injured |
Evaluating If the Baby Bird Needs Help
Watch from a distance for a few minutes. Look for parent birds returning to feed the baby. Most of the time, parent birds are nearby, especially if the young bird is a fledgling.
If the baby bird is in danger – for example, near a road, in a busy yard, or close to predators – move it to a safe nearby spot, like a low bush, but keep it in the same area.
A nestling on the ground needs help. If you can see the nest, gently place the baby back inside. Use clean hands or wear gloves. If the nest is out of reach or destroyed, improvise a small basket from a clean container and attach it to a nearby tree.
If the baby bird is injured or sick (bleeding, shaking, or not moving), contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or bird rescue for advice. You can find a licensed rehabilitator in the United States using the Animal Help Now directory or consult WildlifeRehabber.org.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume every baby bird alone needs rescuing. Many healthy fledglings spend time on the ground with parents watching nearby. Removing them can lower their chances of survival.
Avoid overhandling. Touch birds gently and only when needed. Handling can stress them and harm delicate feathers or skin.
Don’t try to feed or give water unless instructed by a bird expert. Many wild birds need special diets. Wrong food or too much water can cause more harm than good. For more on what not to feed, see The Humane Society’s guide.
Keep pets and people away. Birds are easily stressed and may get injured by curious cats, dogs, or children.
If in doubt, always call a wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance before intervening further.
Immediate Actions If You Discover a Baby Bird
When you find a baby bird, what you do next can affect its survival and well-being. Proper care depends on handling the bird safely, knowing how to return it to its nest, and understanding what to do if it is injured.
Safely Approaching and Handling Baby Birds
Keep dogs, cats, and children away as soon as you spot a baby bird. Approaching quietly helps reduce stress for the bird and keeps it calm.
Move slowly and avoid making loud noises. If you need to pick up the bird, do so with clean hands and gently cup your palms around its body. Hold the bird securely, but do not squeeze, as their bones are very fragile.
If you’re not sure whether the bird is a nestling (featherless or with sparse feathers) or a fledgling (more feathers, can hop or grip), observe it briefly. Only handle the bird if necessary, such as moving it from a dangerous location or returning it to its nest.
Important Handling Tips:
- Always wash hands before and after handling.
- Use gloves if available for extra protection.
- Do not feed or give water; improper feeding can harm the bird.
Returning the Bird to Its Nest or Nearby Safe Spot
If the bird is a nestling, look for its nest nearby in low trees, shrubs, or ledges. Gently place the bird back. If you can’t find the nest, you can make a simple substitute nest using a small basket or box lined with soft, dry material.
For a fledgling, you do not need to put it in a nest. Place it gently on a safe branch or in a bush close to where you found it. Its parents are usually nearby and will care for it.
If you have touched the bird, don’t worry. Parent birds will not abandon it because of your scent. Keep all pets indoors. Watch from a distance to make sure the bird is safe and being looked after. For more details, check Cornell Lab’s baby bird FAQ.
Checklist for Returning:
- Find and use the real nest if possible.
- Place substitute nests close to where the bird was found.
- Keep the area quiet so parent birds will return.
What to Do If the Bird Is Injured or in Danger
If the baby bird is visibly hurt (such as bleeding, broken wing, or unable to stand), or if both parents are dead, it needs help from professionals. Place the injured bird in a small box lined with paper towels and poke holes for air. Keep the box in a warm, quiet place.
Do not give food or water. This can make things worse. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator, bird rescue, or wildlife rehabilitation center right away. These trained experts can provide proper treatment and increase the bird’s chances of survival. For help in the U.S., see the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association directory.
A quick way to find help is to search online for “wildlife rehabilitation center” or contact animal control in your area. Responding quickly is important for the bird’s recovery.
Providing Emergency Care and Creating a Safe Environment
When you find a baby bird in need, fast action can make a big difference. Setting up a safe, warm space is important to protect the bird and keep stress low during this critical time. For a comprehensive guide, see PetMD’s advice on caring for wild baby birds.
Setting Up a Temporary Nest at Home
To start, use a small, clean box or container – like a shoebox. Line the bottom with soft tissues, paper towels, or a clean, smooth cloth. Avoid using materials that can snag feet or legs, such as string, wool, or loose threads.
Make sure the container has high enough sides to keep the baby bird from climbing or falling out. Avoid using deep or slippery bowls, as these could lead to injuries. Poke small holes in the container for airflow, but keep the space out of direct wind, drafts, or sunlight.
Once the bird is inside, gently place it in the center. Try not to handle the bird more than necessary. Keep the makeshift nest in a quiet part of your home, far from busy rooms and loud sounds. Your main goal is safety and comfort until you contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Creating Proper Warmth and Shelter
Young wild birds, especially nestlings, cannot control their own body temperature. Keeping them warm is essential. Place a small heating pad on the lowest setting under half of the nest box, or fill a plastic water bottle with warm (not hot) water. Wrap the bottle in a cloth and set it beside the bird, not directly touching.
Aim for a room temperature around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first day. You can check the bird’s comfort by seeing if it huddles or spreads out; shivering means too cold, panting means too hot.
Never use open heat sources like lamps near the bird. Always monitor the setup to avoid overheating. Shelter should also stay clean – replace any damp or soiled nesting material right away.
Minimizing Stress and Preventing Harm from Pets
Stress and injury risks increase if pets are nearby. Keep all dogs, cats, and other animals out of the room where the baby bird is resting. Even friendly pets can frighten or harm the bird without meaning to.
Limit noise and activity in the area. Speak softly and dim the lights. Covering part of the container with a light towel can shield the bird from too much light or motion, helping it calm down.
Make sure children or visitors do not touch the baby bird unless necessary. If you need to check on the bird, wash your hands before and after handling. Keeping the space secure and peaceful helps wild birds recover and avoids added stress or injury.
How to Feed a Baby Bird Responsibly
Feeding a baby bird takes careful planning, knowing the bird’s needs, and watching for signs of problems. The steps you take will depend on the bird’s age and type, as well as why it needs your help. For detailed feeding instructions and what foods are safe, refer to The Spruce’s guide to feeding baby birds or WikiHow’s illustrated feeding guide.
Understanding the Correct Diet
Baby birds can be nestlings (no or few feathers, totally dependent) or fledglings (grown feathers, learning to fly and eat). What you feed depends on which stage the bird is at.
Nestlings need soft, protein-rich foods that mimic what their parents would give. This might include:
- Soaked cat or dog kibble (plain, no flavors)
- Hard-boiled eggs, mashed
- Crushed mealworms
Do not feed nestlings bread, milk, or seeds as their main diet. These can harm them or cause malnutrition.
Fledglings are starting to eat on their own but still need soft foods. You can offer small bits of birdseed, mealworms, or fruit suitable for their species. Watch if the bird is interested in food by itself. If yes, you can place food in a shallow dish nearby.
Always check what kind of bird you are helping. Some may have special diets. When in doubt, contact a wildlife rehabber for guidance. For more detailed information on baby bird diets, visit the Audubon Society’s guide or the RSPB’s advice page.
Safe Feeding Techniques
Baby birds cannot drink water directly when very young. Nestlings get fluids from their food, so never offer them water through a dropper or force them to drink. They may inhale it and choke.
Feed tiny bits using sanitized tweezers, a paintbrush, or a small syringe with no needle. Place food gently into the bird’s open mouth when it begs. If it’s not opening its mouth, wait until it’s hungry or try softly touching the beak.
Keep the food moist but not watery. Feed every 15–30 minutes for nestlings during daylight. Fledglings may need less frequent feeding, about every 45–60 minutes, as they learn to peck food. For a visual guide, see this YouTube tutorial on feeding baby birds.
Keep all feeding tools clean. Wash hands before and after each feeding to prevent disease.
Recognizing When Not to Feed
Do not feed a baby bird if it appears lethargic, very cold, injured, or bleeding. Feeding a weak or sick bird can make matters worse.
If the bird is a fledgling and its parents are nearby, avoid feeding it unless it’s in danger. Parents are usually best at caring for their own young, even if they are on the ground.
Never try to feed a wild baby bird if you are unsure about what it should eat. Giving the wrong food can cause long-term harm. Instead, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. You can find a list of rehabilitators at the Humane Society’s directory.
If you are in doubt, err on the side of caution and get expert advice. This helps prevent accidental injury or stress to the baby bird.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator or Center
If you find a baby bird, some situations need expert care right away. Not all birds can or should be cared for at home, and knowing when to get professional help can save lives.
Situations Requiring Professional Help
Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or wildlife rehabilitator if the baby bird is injured, sick, or clearly in distress. Examples include broken wings, bleeding, trouble breathing, or if the bird was attacked by a pet. Visible parasites like fleas or maggots, or any signs of infection, mean the bird needs medical treatment. For more information, see the AVMA’s advice on baby birds.
If the parents have not returned after several hours of watching from a distance, or if you know the parents are dead, you should not wait any longer. Call for help as soon as possible.
Never try to give food or water to an injured or very young bird yourself. Birds can choke or develop serious problems if fed incorrectly. Emergency care from trained staff gives the bird the best chance at recovery. Use gloves or a towel to move the bird into a small box lined with soft material, keep it warm, and place the box in a quiet area until help arrives.
How to Find Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators
If you decide the baby bird needs professional help, you need to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or bird rescue nearby. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are trained and have the right equipment to care for wild birds.
You can:
- Search online for “wildlife rehabilitation center near me” or look on your state’s wildlife agency website, such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service directory.
- Call local animal control, veterinarians, or bird rescue groups.
- Use national directories, such as through the Humane Society or state fish and wildlife agencies.
Most centers do not pick up animals, so be prepared to transport the bird. Before you go, call to make sure the bird rescue or wildlife rehabilitation center can accept the bird and to get instructions for safe transport. For more tips, see WildlifeRehabber.org.
Keep the bird in a secure, ventilated box during transport and do not offer food or water.
Legal Considerations for Caring for Wild Birds
It is illegal in most places to keep or care for wild birds without special permits. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators have permission to care for injured or orphaned birds beyond quick transport. These laws protect wildlife and help make sure birds are cared for properly. Learn more at the Migratory Bird Treaty Act page.
Trying to raise a wild bird at home, even with good intentions, may result in fines or other penalties. Laws and rules vary by state, so always check local guidelines. Call your state wildlife agency or a nearby wildlife rehabilitator if you have questions about what you are allowed to do.
Wildlife rehabilitation centers and licensed rehabilitators are trained to follow these legal requirements. Bringing an injured bird to them is the safest and most responsible way to help.
Ongoing Care and Preparing for Release
Caring for a baby bird does not end once it starts eating and moving on its own. It is important to support its health, teach natural behaviors, and get it ready for life in the wild. For more on wild bird rehabilitation, see Urban Wildlife Rescue’s guide.
Monitoring Health and Development
Check the bird daily for signs of progress and problems. Healthy fledglings are alert, active, and have clean eyes and feathers. Watch for warning signs like lethargy, labored breathing, or abnormal droppings. Weight gain and feather growth are good signs that the bird is developing properly.
Use a small kitchen scale to weigh the bird at the same time each day. Record the data so you can spot any drops or quick changes. If you notice wounds, loss of appetite, or slow growth, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or avian vet. Many illnesses progress fast in baby birds, so early attention is vital. For avian vet resources, visit the Association of Avian Veterinarians.
Keep the bird’s living space clean. Replace bedding every day and wash food and water dishes to prevent infection. Make sure the temperature remains warm and constant, especially at night.
Transitioning to Natural Behaviors
Teach the young wild bird to act like others of its kind. As it grows, give it more chances to hop, perch, and fly in a safe area, such as a large cage or enclosed patio. Place small branches inside to allow for natural perching and climbing.
Start offering foods that match its wild diet, such as seeds, insects, or berries. Let the fledgling practice picking up and eating food on its own. Reduce hand-feeding as soon as the bird can eat independently.
Limit human contact as much as possible. Too much handling can cause imprinting, which makes it hard for wild birds to survive outdoors. Move the enclosure outdoors for part of the day so the bird can hear and see nature, which helps it adjust to the environment it will soon join. For more, see WildCare’s release tips.
Safely Releasing the Bird Back to the Wild
Release should take place when the bird can fly well, find food on its own, and respond to sights and sounds outdoors. Choose a quiet, protected area as close as possible to where the bird was found. Early morning or late afternoon is best because of mild weather and fewer predators.
Steps for Safe Release:
- Observe the bird in an outdoor enclosure to check its readiness.
- Open the enclosure and let the bird fly out on its own. Do not force it.
- Stay back and watch quietly. If possible, provide food nearby for a few days as support.
If the baby bird does not adjust well, or if it gets injured, consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Some birds may need extra time and care before fully returning to the wild. For more on release guidelines, see The Raptor Trust’s release process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caring for a baby bird can be challenging and requires careful attention to their needs. You must act based on the age, condition, and feathering of the bird, as well as local wildlife laws. For more FAQs, see All About Birds’ FAQ on baby birds.
What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground?
First, make sure the bird is safe from pets and people. Check to see if it is injured or just out of the nest. If it is unhurt and has most of its feathers, its parents might be nearby. For step-by-step guidance, see the RSPCA’s advice.
If the bird is featherless or looks very young, try to locate the nest and gently place it back. If you cannot find the nest or if the bird is injured, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What are the appropriate steps to feed a baby bird in human care?
Feeding a baby bird is a precise process. If the bird is a nestling, it needs to be fed every 15 to 20 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
Offer soft, moist foods like soaked dog kibble, small pieces of soft fruit, or chopped boiled egg. Do not give milk or bread, as these can harm the bird. Always use clean hands or tweezers. For more detailed feeding instructions, visit PetMD’s guide.
How do I keep a baby bird safe and warm overnight?
Keep the baby bird in a small box lined with soft tissues or a towel. Make sure the box has air holes for breathing.
Nestlings need to be kept warm, ideally between 95–97°F. Use a heating pad under half of the box, or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Place the container somewhere quiet and away from drafts. For more on temperature and care, see WildCare’s baby bird care page.
How can I tell if a fledgling bird needs my help?
A fledgling may be on the ground because it is learning to fly. If the bird is fully feathered, hopping, or fluttering, its parents are likely nearby and still caring for it.
If the bird looks weak, is injured, shivering, or being attacked by pets, then it may need help from a wildlife rehabilitator. Observe from a distance before stepping in. For more, see BirdWatching Daily’s advice.
What are the indicators that a baby bird has sufficient feathers for self-care?
A baby bird with enough feathers to cover most of its body, especially the wings and tail, can usually keep itself warm. These birds are called fledglings.
If the bird can hop, flutter, and shows alertness, it is likely ready to leave the nest but may need a few more days on the ground to finish learning from its parents. For more information, see this Audubon Society article.
How do I properly re-nest a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest?
Using clean hands or gloves, gently pick up the baby bird. Try to place it back in the original nest if you can find it. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the National Audubon Society’s advice on helping baby birds.
If the nest is unreachable, you can make a substitute nest from a small basket or container with drainage holes, lined with soft paper towels. Secure it close to where you found the bird and watch from a distance to see if the parents return. Additional tips can be found at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s guide to baby birds.
