Helping a Fallen Feather: How to Care for an Injured Wild Bird That Can’t Fly

Finding an injured wild bird can be a distressing experience. The sight of a helpless creature, unable to fly, often evokes a strong desire to help. However, providing care for an injured wild bird requires careful consideration and adherence to specific guidelines. This article will equip you with the knowledge and steps to safely assess the situation, provide initial care, and ultimately get the bird the professional help it needs. Remember, wild birds are delicate creatures, and improper handling can cause further harm. The goal is to stabilize the bird and get it to a licensed rehabilitator as quickly and safely as possible.

Understanding the Situation: When to Intervene

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to determine whether the bird truly needs your help. Not all birds on the ground are injured or abandoned. Here’s a breakdown:

* **Fledglings vs. Injured Birds:** Fledglings are young birds that have recently left the nest. They may be on the ground while learning to fly, and their parents are likely nearby, still caring for them. Fledglings are typically fully feathered but may have a short tail and clumsy movements. If a fledgling appears healthy and is not in immediate danger (e.g., near a busy road or predator), it’s often best to leave it alone and observe from a distance. The parents are likely nearby and will return to feed it. Injured birds, on the other hand, may exhibit visible wounds, have broken wings, appear lethargic, or be unable to stand or move normally.

* **Signs of Injury:** Look for these common signs of injury:
* Visible wounds or bleeding
* Broken or drooping wings
* Feathers that are ruffled, missing, or bloodied
* Limping or an inability to stand
* Head trauma (e.g., tilting, circling)
* Being unusually quiet or unresponsive
* Being caught by a cat or other predator

* **When Intervention is Necessary:** You should intervene if:
* The bird is obviously injured, as described above.
* The bird is in a dangerous location (e.g., the middle of a road, near a predator, in extremely cold or hot weather).
* The bird has been caught by a cat or dog (even if there are no visible wounds – cats carry bacteria in their saliva that can be deadly to birds).
* The bird appears very young and is featherless or nearly featherless, and you can’t locate its nest or parents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Providing Initial Care

If you determine that the bird needs help, follow these steps:

1. Preparation: Gathering Your Supplies

Before approaching the bird, gather the following items:

* **Gloves:** Wear gloves (such as garden gloves or latex/nitrile gloves) to protect yourself from potential diseases or parasites the bird may carry, and also to prevent transferring your scent to the bird (which may cause stress).
* **A Container:** Choose a cardboard box, a plastic container with air holes, or even a pet carrier that is large enough for the bird to move around a bit but not so large that it can injure itself flapping around. The container should have a lid or cover to prevent the bird from escaping. Line the bottom of the container with soft material, such as paper towels, old t-shirts or soft cloth (avoid newspaper as the ink can be toxic).
* **Towel or Cloth:** Have a towel or cloth on hand to gently capture and handle the bird, and to help provide darkness.
* **Water Source (optional):** A shallow dish or bottle cap filled with water may be needed (but only offer if the bird appears alert and can drink without struggling; never force water or food).
* **Phone or Contact List:** Have the phone number or contact information of your local wildlife rehabilitation center readily available.
* **Hand Sanitizer:** Use hand sanitizer after handling the bird and cleaning your supplies.

2. Capture and Containment

* **Approach Calmly:** Approach the bird slowly and calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises, which could further frighten and stress it. Speak in a soft and soothing voice.
* **Use a Towel or Cloth:** If the bird can be easily reached, gently place a towel or cloth over it, quickly and gently scooping it up. If the bird is more active, approach it from behind and gently throw the towel or cloth over it, then gently scoop it up into your hands. Avoid grabbing the bird by its wings or tail, as this can cause further injury. If the bird is smaller, a gentle cup of your hands might be better, but be sure to handle it gently.
* **Place in Container:** Carefully place the bird into the prepared container. If the bird tries to escape, use the towel or cloth to gently guide it back. Ensure the lid is secure, but also make sure there are enough ventilation holes to allow airflow.
* **Secure the Container:** Place the container in a quiet, warm, dark, and safe location away from pets, children, and loud noises. A dark location will help minimize stress for the bird. You can cover the container with a light towel or blanket (with ventilation access) to further create a dark and secure environment.

3. Assessment (Do Not Attempt To Treat Injuries Yourself)

* **Observe the Bird:** Observe the bird inside the container. Assess its breathing, general activity level, and any visible wounds or injuries. Do not poke or prod the bird excessively, as this can cause stress and further injury. This observation will be helpful when you speak with the rehab center staff.
* **Avoid Handling:** Minimize handling of the bird as much as possible to avoid causing further stress.
* **Do Not Self-Treat:** *It is crucial to understand that you should not attempt to treat any injuries yourself*. While it is natural to want to help, giving the bird medication, or even cleaning wounds incorrectly, can cause significant harm. Wildlife rehabilitation professionals have specialized training and supplies to provide proper care. Trying to do so yourself, with over-the-counter medications or supplies not designed for wild birds, can make the situation worse.
* **Look for Obvious Wounds**: If you can see any obvious wounds such as open gashes, bleeding or a broken wing, take note. Be extremely careful if the bird has any obvious head trauma. You do not want to move the head more than necessary.

4. Providing Basic Comfort and Care (Short-Term)

* **Water (With Caution):** If the bird appears alert and capable of drinking on its own (not lethargic or weak), you can offer a small, shallow dish of fresh, room-temperature water. Use something like a bottle cap or very shallow saucer. Do not force the bird to drink. Do not try to get the bird to drink by dripping it into the mouth or down the throat as this can cause the bird to aspirate (inhale) the water which can cause pneumonia. Do not offer food, especially not any food which you eat. You should not feed an injured bird yourself as each type of bird has unique nutritional requirements and providing the wrong type of food can cause digestive issues. Also, do not try to force feed an injured bird. This can do far more harm than good.
* **Warmth:** If the bird is cold or shivering, you can provide a small, gentle source of warmth. You can place a hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel (so it does not come directly in contact with the bird) near the container, or you can use a heating pad on a very low setting placed under part of the container, so the bird can move away from it if it gets too hot. Never place a heat source inside the container with the bird, as this can lead to overheating and severe burns. Monitor the bird regularly to make sure it is not getting too warm or too cold.
* **Quiet and Darkness:** Keep the bird in a quiet, dark, and undisturbed location. Minimize noise and traffic around the bird to help reduce stress.
* **Limit Interaction:** Avoid checking on the bird too frequently. Every time you open the container, the bird gets stressed. Let the bird rest.

5. Contacting a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

* **ASAP Contact:** Your priority should be to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. Look online for local rehabilitation centers in your area. These are professionals who are trained to care for wild animals, with specialized facilities, proper food, and medications. They also understand the specific rehabilitation requirements for each species of bird.
* **Give Detailed Information:** When you contact them, provide as much information as possible about the bird you have found, such as:
* Species (if you can identify it), approximate size.
* Location where you found it.
* Type of injury or behavior you observed.
* If the bird was attacked by a predator.
* **Follow Their Instructions:** The rehabilitator will give you specific instructions on how to proceed. They may ask you to bring the bird to their facility, or they may have volunteers who can come pick up the bird. It is important to follow their instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome for the bird. Do not attempt to keep the bird for more than is necessary to transport it to the rehab facility.

6. Transporting the Bird

* **Secure Container:** Before transporting the bird, make sure that the container is secure and that the lid is tightly closed. You may need to tape it to ensure it does not pop open while being transported.
* **Minimize Disturbances:** Avoid loud noises, bumpy rides, and excessive movement during transport. Keep the container level and avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heating vent in the car. Do not open the container while driving.
* **Hand Off to Professional:** When you reach the rehabilitation center, hand the container to a staff member and explain what you observed about the bird. Do not remove the bird from the container unless directed to by the rehab staff. Provide any information on how you found the bird, where, and what injuries you observed. This will help the staff provide targeted care to the bird.

Important Considerations and Do’s and Don’ts

* **Do Not Attempt to Raise a Wild Bird:** It is illegal to keep a wild bird in your possession (other than for transport to a wildlife rehab facility). Additionally, wild birds have very complex nutritional and behavioral needs, and if they are raised by humans, they often cannot survive in the wild. They may imprint on you and lose the fear of people, putting them at risk. The rehabilitation centers have the facilities and expertise to raise them so that they are ready to survive when released back into their natural habitat.
* **Do Not Give Milk:** Do not offer milk to any wild bird. Birds cannot digest the lactose in milk, and it will make them sick.
* **Do Not Offer Bread:** Bread has very little nutritional value for birds and can fill them up without providing the proper vitamins, minerals, and proteins they need.
* **Do Not Force Feed:** Never force feed or force water an injured bird, unless directed to do so by a wildlife professional. You can risk aspiration or injury by forcing food or water.
* **Keep Children and Pets Away:** Keep children and pets away from the injured bird. This can further stress and frighten the bird.
* **Be Aware of Bird Health Issues:** Be aware that wild birds can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans or pets. Always use gloves when handling the bird, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Do not touch your face or mouth after handling a wild bird. Always use hand sanitizer before and after handling the bird, and before and after handling any of the supplies used for containment.
* **Wild birds are Wild**: Remember wild birds are wild, and will naturally be afraid of people. They will likely struggle when being handled, and it’s natural for them to try to bite, peck, or scratch. Handle the bird calmly, gently and try to avoid any unnecessary handling to minimize their stress.
* **Prevention is Key:** Take steps to prevent bird injuries. Keep cats indoors, avoid using pesticides or harmful chemicals, and be mindful of bird habitats in your yard.
* **It’s Not Your Fault**: Do not feel guilty or upset if you cannot save every bird you find. Wildlife rehabilitation can be difficult, and not all injured birds survive, even with the best care. You are doing a good deed by making the effort to help and finding them the best professional care. The most important thing is to provide them with the best chance of recovery by getting them to the professionals as quickly and safely as possible.

In Conclusion

Finding an injured wild bird can be a stressful experience, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can provide initial care and help get the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, giving it the best chance of survival and eventual release back into the wild. Your compassionate action can make a real difference in the life of a vulnerable creature. Remember, when it comes to injured wild birds, professional care is always the best course of action.