What to Do with an Injured Bird: A Complete Guide

If you've found an injured bird and are wondering what to do with an injured bird, the most important steps are to ensure your safety, minimize stress for the bird, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Never attempt to treat serious injuries yourself. The best course of action when dealing with what to do with an injured bird is to gently contain the bird in a secure, quiet space and seek professional help immediately. This guide covers everything you need to know—from initial response and safe handling techniques to understanding legal protections and connecting with local wildlife experts.

Assessing the Situation: Is the Bird Really Injured?

Before intervening, it's crucial to determine whether the bird actually needs help. Many people mistake young birds (fledglings) out of the nest for injured ones. Fledglings often spend time on the ground while learning to fly, and their parents usually continue to feed them. If the bird has feathers, can hop, and appears alert, it may not be injured. However, signs of true injury include:

• Visible wounds, bleeding, or broken bones
• Limping, inability to stand or fly
• Labored breathing or discharge from eyes or nostrils
• Lethargy or lack of response to movement
• Being caught by a cat or dog (even without visible injury, infection risk is high)

In cases where you're unsure what to do with an injured bird, observe from a distance for 15–30 minutes. If the parents return, no intervention is needed. But if the bird is clearly hurt or in danger, immediate action is required.

Safety First: Protect Yourself and the Bird

When considering what to do with an injured bird, remember that even small birds can bite or scratch when frightened. Wear gloves—preferably thick gardening or leather gloves—and use a towel or cloth to gently cover the bird before picking it up. This reduces stress and prevents injury to both you and the animal. Avoid direct skin contact, especially if the bird was attacked by a cat, as bacterial infections like Pasteurella can transfer to humans.

Do not offer food or water at this stage. Force-feeding or giving liquids can cause aspiration or worsen internal injuries. Keep noise and activity around the bird to a minimum. Stress is a leading cause of death in injured wild birds, so quiet and darkness are essential.

How to Safely Contain an Injured Bird

Once the bird is under control, place it in a ventilated container such as a cardboard box or pet carrier. Line the bottom with a soft, non-looped material like a cotton T-shirt or paper towels—avoid terry cloth, which can snag claws. Ensure there are air holes and keep the container covered with a light cloth to maintain darkness.

The ideal environment is warm, quiet, and free from pets and children. You can place a heating pad set on low under half the box so the bird can move away from heat if needed. Never place the bird in direct sunlight or near a heat source like a radiator. Overheating is just as dangerous as cold exposure.

Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator: Who to Call and When

The single most effective step in knowing what to do with an injured bird is contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained to assess injuries, administer first aid, and provide species-specific care. In the U.S., they operate under permits from state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

To find help quickly:

• Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or “bird rescue [your city/state]”
• Call your local animal control, veterinarian, or nature center—they often have referral lists
• Dial 211 or check with your county’s department of environmental services
• Use national directories like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)

Time is critical. The sooner a bird receives professional care, the better its chances of recovery and release back into the wild.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It’s important to understand that in the United States, it is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to possess native wild birds without a federal and state permit. This includes keeping them as pets or attempting home rehabilitation. Violations can result in fines up to $15,000 and six months in prison.

This law exists to protect bird populations and ensure proper medical treatment. Even well-meaning attempts to “save” a bird by raising it at home often lead to malnutrition, improper feather development, or imprinting, making release impossible. Therefore, when thinking about what to do with an injured bird, always prioritize legal, ethical pathways through licensed professionals.

Common Causes of Bird Injuries

Understanding why birds get injured can help prevent future incidents and inform your response. Common causes include:

Cause	Description	Prevention Tips
Window Collisions	Birds fly into glass, mistaking reflections for open sky	Install window decals, UV-reflective film, or external screens
Domestic Cat Attacks	Cats carry bacteria that cause fatal infections even from minor bites	Keep cats indoors or use enclosed outdoor enclosures
Vehicles	Birds struck while feeding on roadsides or flying across roads	Drive cautiously in areas with high bird activity
Pesticides & Toxins	Chemicals poison birds directly or through contaminated prey	Avoid chemical pesticides; use organic alternatives
Nest Disturbance	Tree trimming or construction destroys nests during breeding season	Check for active nests before landscaping

Regional Differences in Wildlife Care Availability

Access to wildlife rehabilitators varies widely by location. Urban areas typically have more resources than rural regions. In some states, like California and Florida, there are extensive networks of licensed centers. In others, especially in the Midwest or mountainous regions, options may be limited.

If you live in a remote area, ask your vet or local extension office for emergency protocols. Some rehabilitators offer transportation assistance or advice over the phone. Always verify the credentials of any facility you contact—look for affiliations with organizations like the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) or the NWRA.

Transporting an Injured Bird Safely

If you must transport the bird to a care facility, follow these guidelines:

• Place the container on the floor of the car, not a seat, to reduce motion and noise
• Avoid sudden stops and turns
• Keep the interior quiet—no music or loud talking
• Never leave the bird unattended in a vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures

Call ahead to confirm the facility is open and accepting patients. Some operate only during business hours or require appointments.

What Happens After the Bird Is in Professional Hands?

Once received, the rehabilitator will conduct a full assessment, including physical exam, weight check, and possibly X-rays. Treatment may involve antibiotics, wound care, fluid therapy, or surgery. Birds are kept in species-appropriate enclosures to encourage natural behaviors.

The goal is always release. Before being returned to the wild, birds must demonstrate the ability to fly, forage, and avoid predators. This process can take days to months, depending on the injury. Euthanasia is considered only when suffering is severe and recovery impossible—a decision made humanely and professionally.

Myths and Misconceptions About Injured Birds

Several myths persist about what to do with an injured bird. Let’s clarify:

• Myth: Touching a baby bird will make its parents reject it.
  Truth: Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will not abandon chicks due to human scent.
• Myth: All injured birds can be saved.
  Truth: Severe trauma or neurological damage may be untreatable.
• Myth: Feeding bread or milk helps injured birds.
  Truth: These foods are harmful and can be fatal.
• Myth: Raising a bird at home teaches children compassion.
  Truth: It often leads to dependency, poor health, and illegal possession.

How You Can Help Prevent Bird Injuries

While knowing what to do with an injured bird is vital, prevention is even better. Here are actionable steps:

• Make windows safer with patterned films or hanging tape
• Keep cats indoors or use bell collars and enclosed catios
• Avoid using rodenticides and insecticides that enter the food chain
• Report injured birds promptly instead of waiting
• Support local wildlife rehab centers through donations or volunteering

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an injured bird at home until it gets better?

No. It is illegal and often harmful. Only licensed rehabilitators can legally care for native wild birds.

What should I feed an injured bird?

Do not feed it. Improper food can cause choking or digestive issues. Wait for professional guidance.

How long can an injured bird survive without care?

Survival time varies, but many birds deteriorate within 24–48 hours due to shock, dehydration, or infection.

Will a bird with a broken wing heal on its own?

Unlikely. Without proper stabilization and veterinary care, fractures can heal incorrectly or become infected.

Are all birds protected by law?

In the U.S., nearly all native wild birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, with few exceptions like pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows.

Knowing what to do with an injured bird can make the difference between life and death for a vulnerable creature. By acting calmly, safely, and responsibly—prioritizing professional care—you contribute to both individual welfare and broader conservation efforts. Remember: every bird matters, and informed action saves lives.