What to do if you find a baby bird on the ground
Can Baby Birds Survive Without Their Mother?
-
Hatchlings
These are newly hatched birds that are featherless or have very few downy feathers. They are completely dependent on their parents for warmth, food, and protection.
-
Nestlings
Slightly older than hatchlings, nestlings still have underdeveloped feathers and cannot survive outside of their nest.
-
Fledglings
These are young birds with feathers, though their wings and tails may still be short. They are learning to fly and often spend time on the ground while their parents continue to feed them.
If you find a hatchling or nestling, it likely cannot survive without help. However, fledglings are often perfectly fine on their own, as their parents are usually nearby keeping an eye on them.
What Should I Do If I Find a Nestling?
-
Check for Injuries
Before doing anything else, examine the bird carefully. If it is bleeding, has a drooping wing, or seems unable to move, it may be injured. In this case, the best thing to do is contact a local wildlife rescue centre or veterinarian who specialises in birds.
-
Try to Locate the Nest
If the baby bird appears healthy, the next step is to try to find its nest. Look in nearby trees, shrubs, or ledges. If you find the nest and it appears intact, gently pick up the baby bird and place it back inside. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so the parents will not reject the baby even if you have touched it.
-
Create a Temporary Nest
If the nest has been destroyed or is unreachable, you can create a substitute. Use a small container like a basket or plastic tub with drainage holes, line it with soft material like dried grass or tissues and place it securely in a tree or bush near where the baby was found. Then, watch from a distance. If the parents do not return within an hour, contact a wildlife rescue centre.
-
Keep It Warm
Nestlings cannot regulate their body temperature well. If you must care for it temporarily, place it in a warm, quiet, and safe space. A small box with ventilation holes lined with tissues can work. You can also use a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a cloth to provide gentle warmth.
Do Not Feed It! - It’s tempting to try and feed a baby bird, but they have very specific dietary needs. The wrong food can cause more harm than good. If necessary, offer a few drops of water from a cotton ball, but avoid forcing food or water into its beak.
What If I Find a Fledgling?
Fledglings are young birds that are fully feathered but may still be developing their flight skills. It is very common to see them on the ground, hopping around or making short flights. Unless the bird is in immediate danger (such as from cats, dogs, or traffic), the best course of action is usually to leave it alone. The parents are likely nearby, watching and feeding their young as they learn to be independent.
When to Intervene:
When to Contact a Wildlife Rescue Centre
Common Myths About Helping Baby Birds
