What to Do with a Baby Bird: Safe & Humane Steps

If you find a baby bird on the ground, the best thing to do is assess whether it's a nestling or a fledgling—knowing what to do with a baby bird when it's out of the nest can mean the difference between life and death for the young bird. In most cases, fledglings are not orphaned; they're simply in the natural stage of learning to fly and should be left alone unless injured. If the bird is a nestling (naked or with down feathers), gently place it back in its nest if possible. Understanding what to do with a baby bird safely and humanely ensures minimal disruption to natural processes while giving the chick the best chance of survival.

Understanding Bird Development: Nestlings vs. Fledglings

One of the most important steps in knowing what to do with a baby bird is identifying its developmental stage. Birds go through two key phases early in life: the nestling stage and the fledgling stage. A nestling is typically featherless or covered in fluffy down, has closed or barely open eyes, and cannot stand or hop. These birds are entirely dependent on their parents and should still be in the nest. If you find a nestling on the ground, it likely fell or was pushed from the nest accidentally.

In contrast, a fledgling is partially feathered, can hop or flutter, and may perch on low branches. Fledglings have already left the nest voluntarily as part of their natural development. This stage usually lasts 1–3 weeks, during which parent birds continue to feed and protect them from nearby perches. Many people mistakenly think a fledgling is abandoned when it's actually being cared for. Knowing the difference prevents unnecessary intervention.

When and How to Intervene

Intervention should only occur under specific circumstances. Here are clear guidelines on what to do with a baby bird based on observed conditions:

• If the bird is a nestling and the nest is visible and accessible: Gently pick up the bird using clean hands and return it to the nest. Contrary to myth, parent birds do not reject chicks that have been touched by humans.
• If the nest is destroyed or cannot be found: Create a makeshift nest using a small basket or container lined with dry grass or tissue (no string or yarn, which can entangle). Place this substitute nest in a nearby tree or shrub, at a similar height to the original. Monitor from a distance to see if parents return.
• If the bird is a healthy fledgling: Leave it alone. Move pets indoors or keep them leashed, and keep children away. The parents are likely nearby and will continue feeding the bird.
• If the bird is injured, shivering, or has visible wounds: It needs professional help. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Common Misconceptions About Baby Birds

Several myths persist about what to do with a baby bird, often leading to well-intentioned but harmful actions:

• Myth: Parent birds will reject babies touched by humans. Truth: Most birds have a poor sense of smell and recognize their young by sight and sound. Handling a nestling briefly to return it to the nest does not cause abandonment.
• Myth: All baby birds on the ground need rescuing. Truth: Fledglings are supposed to be on the ground temporarily. Removing them disrupts vital learning behaviors like flying and foraging.
• Myth: You should feed a baby bird milk or bread. Truth: These foods are harmful. Baby birds require species-specific diets high in protein. Feeding them incorrectly can cause serious illness or death.

Biological Needs of Baby Birds

Baby birds have unique physiological requirements. They grow rapidly and must consume food every 15–30 minutes from dawn to dusk. Their diet varies by species:

• Insectivores (e.g., robins, swallows) eat soft-bodied insects.
• Carnivorous birds (e.g., hawks, owls) require whole prey items like mice or chicks.
• Granivores (e.g., finches, sparrows) eat seeds, but only after weaning.

Attempting to feed a wild baby bird without proper knowledge risks aspiration, malnutrition, or dehydration. Only trained rehabilitators should provide hand-feeding.

Cultural and Symbolic Meanings of Finding a Baby Bird

Across cultures, encountering a baby bird carries symbolic weight. In Native American traditions, birds often represent messages from the spirit world; finding a vulnerable chick may symbolize new beginnings or a call to nurture one’s own inner growth. In Celtic lore, birds are seen as intermediaries between realms, and aiding a fallen chick could reflect balance restoration. Chinese symbolism associates birds with joy and marital harmony—protecting a young bird might be viewed as accumulating good karma.

While these interpretations offer emotional context, decisions about what to do with a baby bird should be grounded in biology, not symbolism. However, recognizing cultural perspectives helps explain why people feel compelled to act and underscores the universal value placed on protecting life.

When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator

You should seek professional help if:

• The bird is bleeding, has broken bones, or appears weak and unresponsive.
• It’s been caught by a cat or dog—even minor bites can lead to fatal infections due to bacteria in pet saliva.
• No parents return to a makeshift nest within 2–4 hours during daylight.
• The bird is covered in parasites or shows signs of respiratory distress (open-mouth breathing, lethargy).

To locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, search online directories such as those provided by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association or contact local animal control or nature centers. Never attempt long-term care yourself—wildlife rehabilitation requires permits and specialized training.

Regional Differences and Seasonal Timing

Bird nesting seasons vary by region and species. In North America, peak nesting occurs from March to August, with some species raising multiple broods. In warmer climates like Florida or California, nesting may begin earlier and extend later. Urban environments can shift timing due to artificial lighting and food availability.

What to do with a baby bird in winter differs significantly. Fewer species nest during cold months, so a grounded chick in December is more likely to be ill or misplaced. Cold exposure is a major threat—hypothermia sets in quickly. If immediate transport to a rehabilitator isn’t possible, place the bird in a ventilated box with a warm (not hot) heating pad under half the container to allow temperature regulation.

Situation	Action	Urgency Level
Healthy fledgling on the ground	Leave alone, keep predators away	Low
Nestling on the ground, nest visible	Return to nest	Moderate
Nestling, no nest found	Create surrogate nest nearby	Moderate
Bird injured or attacked by pet	Contact wildlife rehabilitator	High
No parents return after several hours	Remove to professional care	High

Preventing Unnecessary Intervention

Well-meaning individuals often take baby birds home 'to protect' them, but this usually reduces survival chances. Wild birds are not suited to captivity and become stressed easily. Stress suppresses immune function and can lead to sudden death. Additionally, keeping native wild birds without a permit violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and similar laws in other countries.

Before acting, observe quietly for at least 30 minutes. Use binoculars if possible. Listen for alarm calls or feeding visits by adult birds. Often, parents arrive discreetly to avoid attracting predators. Patience is essential when determining what to do with a baby bird.

How to Support Local Bird Populations

Beyond individual rescues, there are proactive ways to support avian welfare:

• Install nest boxes for cavity-nesting species like bluebirds or chickadees.
• Keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season.
• Avoid pesticide use, which reduces insect populations critical for chick diets.
• Plant native vegetation that provides shelter and food sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I raise a baby bird myself?

No. Raising wild birds requires specialized knowledge, diets, and legal permits. Improper care leads to developmental issues or death.

Will touching a baby bird cause its parents to abandon it?

No. Most birds have limited olfactory senses. Brief handling to return a nestling to its nest is safe and encouraged.

How long do fledglings stay on the ground?

Typically 1–3 days, though some species may take up to two weeks to gain full flight capability.

What should I feed a baby bird?

Do not feed it. Only licensed rehabilitators should provide food. Incorrect diets cause severe harm.

How can I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?

Search online via state wildlife agencies, humane societies, or organizations like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.