Fallen Feathered Friend: A Comprehensive Guide to Helping a Baby Bird That Has Fallen Out of Its Nest
Finding a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest can be a distressing experience. Your first instinct might be to help, but it’s crucial to act correctly to maximize the bird’s chances of survival. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary steps and instructions to assess the situation, provide appropriate care, and, when necessary, seek professional assistance.
## **I. Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Necessary?**
Before immediately scooping up the baby bird, take a moment to assess the situation. Not all fallen birds need rescuing. It’s important to distinguish between a fledgling and a nestling, as their needs and the appropriate course of action differ significantly.
* **Nestling vs. Fledgling: Knowing the Difference**
* **Nestlings:** These are young birds that are still heavily dependent on their parents. They are typically featherless or have very few feathers. They may have their eyes closed or only partially open. Nestlings are unable to hop, walk, or fly. If you find a nestling on the ground, it almost certainly needs assistance.
* **Fledglings:** These are older birds that have recently left the nest. They are mostly feathered but may have some fluffy down remaining. Fledglings can hop, walk, and may even attempt short flights. They are learning to forage for food and are still being cared for by their parents. Fledglings are often found on the ground as part of the natural learning process.
* **Determining the Bird’s Age and Condition:**
* **Feathers:** Examine the bird’s plumage. A mostly featherless bird is a nestling. A bird with mostly feathers is a fledgling.
* **Mobility:** Can the bird hop, walk, or attempt to fly? If so, it’s likely a fledgling.
* **Overall Appearance:** Is the bird alert and responsive, or does it appear weak, injured, or sick?
* **Visible Injuries:** Check for any obvious signs of injury, such as broken wings, bleeding, or wounds.
* **Checking for the Nest:**
* **Look Up:** Carefully scan the trees and bushes in the immediate vicinity for the nest. It may be hidden amongst the foliage.
* **Listen:** Listen for the sounds of parent birds calling or chirping nearby. They will often be nearby, even if you can’t see them.
## **II. The “Nestling” Scenario: Returning the Bird to the Nest**
If you’ve determined that the bird is a nestling and you can locate the nest, the best course of action is to return it. Despite common misconceptions, birds have a poor sense of smell, and the parents will not abandon their young simply because a human has touched them. The most important thing is to get the baby bird back into its nest.
* **Finding the Nest:**
* As mentioned earlier, carefully search the surrounding trees and bushes. Look for a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, leaves, and other materials.
* If you saw the bird fall from a specific location, focus your search in that area.
* **Returning the Nestling:**
* **Gentle Handling:** Gently pick up the nestling with your hands. If you’re concerned about germs, you can wear gloves, but it’s not strictly necessary. The priority is the bird’s survival.
* **Placing the Bird:** Carefully place the nestling back into its nest. If there are other nestlings, don’t worry about which one is which; the parents will care for all of them.
* **Monitoring the Situation:**
* **Observe from a Distance:** After returning the nestling, observe the nest from a distance for an hour or two to ensure that the parents return to care for it. Use binoculars to avoid disturbing the birds.
* **Signs of Parental Care:** Look for signs that the parents are feeding the nestling, such as the parents bringing food to the nest or the nestling begging for food.
* **If the Nest is Destroyed or Inaccessible:**
* **Creating a Substitute Nest:** If the original nest has been destroyed or is inaccessible (e.g., too high in a tree), you can create a substitute nest. Use a small container, such as a berry basket or a margarine tub. Punch drainage holes in the bottom.
* **Lining the Substitute Nest:** Line the container with soft materials such as grass, leaves, or paper towels. Do not use materials like cotton or yarn, as these can entangle the bird’s legs.
* **Placing the Substitute Nest:** Secure the substitute nest in a sheltered location as close as possible to the original nest site. You can attach it to a branch or hang it from a tree. Make sure it is protected from direct sunlight and rain.
* **Monitoring:** As with the original nest, monitor the substitute nest from a distance to ensure that the parents find and care for the nestling.
## **III. The “Fledgling” Scenario: When to Intervene and When to Leave Alone**
Fledglings are often found on the ground as they are learning to fly and forage for food. In most cases, it’s best to leave fledglings alone and allow their parents to continue caring for them.
* **When to Leave a Fledgling Alone:**
* **Healthy Appearance:** If the fledgling appears healthy, alert, and has most of its feathers, it’s likely being cared for by its parents.
* **Parental Presence:** Observe from a distance. If you see or hear the parent birds nearby, they are likely still feeding and caring for the fledgling.
* **Safe Location:** If the fledgling is in a relatively safe location, such as under a bush or in a grassy area, it’s best to leave it undisturbed.
* **When to Intervene with a Fledgling:**
* **Obvious Injuries:** If the fledgling has any obvious injuries, such as a broken wing, bleeding, or wounds, it needs help.
* **Exposure to Danger:** If the fledgling is in immediate danger, such as in the middle of a road, exposed to predators (cats or dogs), or in extreme weather, you should intervene.
* **Apparent Abandonment:** If you have observed the fledgling for an extended period (several hours) and have not seen any signs of parental care, it may have been abandoned.
* **Moving a Fledgling to a Safer Location:**
* **Gentle Handling:** Gently pick up the fledgling and move it to a safer location nearby, such as under a bush or in a sheltered area. Wear gloves if you prefer, but it’s not essential.
* **Keeping it Close:** Keep the fledgling as close as possible to where you found it so that the parents can still find it.
## **IV. Providing Temporary Care: What to Do Before Seeking Professional Help**
If you have determined that a baby bird (nestling or fledgling) needs assistance, you may need to provide temporary care before you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator. This care should focus on keeping the bird warm, safe, and hydrated.
* **Keeping the Bird Warm:**
* **Cardboard Box:** Place the bird in a small cardboard box lined with soft materials, such as paper towels or fleece. Avoid using materials like cotton or yarn.
* **Heat Source:** Provide a gentle heat source to keep the bird warm. You can use a heating pad set on low, placed under half of the box, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. Make sure the bird has the option to move away from the heat source if it gets too warm.
* **Temperature:** The ideal temperature for the box is around 85-90°F (29-32°C).
* **Hydration:**
* **Electrolyte Solution:** Dehydration is a common problem for baby birds. You can offer the bird an electrolyte solution, such as unflavored Pedialyte, to help rehydrate it. Do not give the bird plain water, as this can dilute its electrolytes further.
* **Administering Fluids:** Use an eyedropper or a syringe (without a needle) to administer the electrolyte solution. Offer small amounts of fluid at a time, allowing the bird to swallow. Be careful not to force the fluid, as this could cause it to aspirate (inhale the fluid into its lungs).
* **Frequency:** Offer fluids every 15-30 minutes.
* **Feeding (Only as a Last Resort):**
* **Consult a Rehabilitator:** Ideally, you should consult a wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to feed a baby bird. Different species have different dietary needs, and feeding the wrong food can be harmful.
* **Emergency Feeding:** If you cannot reach a rehabilitator immediately, you can offer the bird a temporary food source. A good option is moistened dog or cat food (canned) mixed with a small amount of hard-boiled egg yolk. This provides a source of protein and moisture.
* **Administering Food:** Use a small, blunt object, such as a popsicle stick or a toothpick, to offer the food. Place a small amount of food near the bird’s beak and allow it to take it. Do not force-feed the bird.
* **Frequency:** Feed the bird small amounts of food every 20-30 minutes.
* **Avoid Water:** Do not give the bird water directly, as this can lead to aspiration. The moisture in the food and the electrolyte solution should be sufficient.
* **Important Considerations:**
* **Handling:** Handle the bird as little as possible to minimize stress.
* **Hygiene:** Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bird to prevent the spread of disease.
* **Quiet Environment:** Keep the bird in a quiet, dark, and stress-free environment.
## **V. Finding a Qualified Wildlife Rehabilitator: The Best Option for Long-Term Care**
The best option for a baby bird that needs assistance is to get it to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Rehabilitators have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide the specialized care that baby birds need to survive.
* **What is a Wildlife Rehabilitator?**
* A wildlife rehabilitator is a trained and licensed professional who cares for injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat.
* Rehabilitators have the necessary permits and licenses to handle wildlife, and they are trained in animal husbandry, nutrition, and medical care.
* **Why Seek Professional Help?**
* **Specialized Care:** Rehabilitators can provide the specialized care that baby birds need, including proper nutrition, medical treatment, and socialization.
* **Proper Diet:** Different species of birds have different dietary needs, and rehabilitators know how to provide the appropriate food for each species.
* **Medical Treatment:** Rehabilitators can treat injuries, illnesses, and parasites.
* **Release into the Wild:** Rehabilitators can ensure that the bird is properly prepared for release back into the wild.
* **Finding a Rehabilitator:**
* **Local Wildlife Agencies:** Contact your local wildlife agency, animal control, or humane society for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
* **Online Resources:** Search online for wildlife rehabilitator directories. Some useful websites include:
* The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA): [https://www.nwrawildlife.org/](https://www.nwrawildlife.org/)
* The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC): [https://theiwrc.org/](https://theiwrc.org/)
* **Veterinarians:** Your local veterinarian may also be able to recommend a wildlife rehabilitator.
* **Transporting the Bird to a Rehabilitator:**
* **Secure Container:** Place the bird in a secure container, such as a cardboard box lined with soft materials.
* **Keep it Warm:** Provide a heat source, such as a heating pad or a hot water bottle, to keep the bird warm.
* **Minimize Stress:** Keep the bird in a quiet, dark, and stress-free environment during transport.
* **Contact the Rehabilitator:** Call the rehabilitator ahead of time to let them know that you are bringing in a bird.
* **Provide Information:** When you drop off the bird, provide the rehabilitator with as much information as possible, including where and when you found the bird, its condition, and any care you have provided.
## **VI. Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
* **Giving the Bird Water Directly:** Avoid giving the bird water directly, as this can lead to aspiration (inhaling water into the lungs), which can be fatal.
* **Feeding the Bird Bread or Milk:** Bread and milk are not suitable food for baby birds and can cause digestive problems.
* **Keeping the Bird as a Pet:** It is illegal to keep wild birds as pets. They require specialized care and are best left to professionals.
* **Overhandling the Bird:** Handle the bird as little as possible to minimize stress.
* **Delaying Seeking Professional Help:** The sooner you get the bird to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator, the better its chances of survival.
## **VII. Conclusion:**
Finding a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest can be a challenging situation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can assess the situation, provide appropriate care, and increase the bird’s chances of survival. Remember that the best option is always to get the bird to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. With your help, these fragile creatures can get the second chance they deserve and thrive in their natural environment.
**Disclaimer:** *This article provides general guidance and information. Always consult with a qualified wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for specific advice on caring for a baby bird.*