Understanding Bird Parent Behavior
Finding a baby bird on the ground often prompts concern about its well-being. Many wonder if a mother bird can pick up her fallen young and place it back into the nest. Bird parents are driven by strong instinct to care for their offspring, but their physical capabilities limit certain actions.
Most bird species have a poor sense of smell and do not rely on scent to identify their young. This means human touch will not cause parents to abandon their offspring. Their strong parental drive to feed and protect their young overrides human scent.
A mother bird will not physically pick up a baby bird and place it back into a nest. However, she will continue to feed and care for it on the ground if she can access it safely.
Distinguishing Nestlings from Fledglings
Before attempting to help a fallen bird, determine its developmental stage, as this dictates the appropriate course of action. Baby birds found outside the nest fall into two categories: nestlings or fledglings.
Nestlings are very young birds, bare or with sparse feathers, and eyes closed or partially open. They are unable to hop, stand, or fly. Their movements are limited to wiggling or opening mouths for food.
Fledglings are older and more developed, with mostly full feathers, though tail and wing feathers may be short. They can stand, hop, or flutter short distances, and their eyes are fully open. Fledglings have naturally left the nest to learn to fly, spending days on the ground or in low branches while parents feed and guide them.
How to Help a Fallen Bird
The appropriate response to finding a baby bird depends entirely on whether it is a nestling or a fledgling. If you find a nestling (mostly featherless and unable to move), return it to its original nest. If the nest is visible and accessible, gently place the nestling back inside. If the nest is destroyed or cannot be located, create a makeshift nest using a small basket (e.g., berry basket) lined with dry grass or paper towels. Hang this temporary nest securely in a nearby tree, close to the original nest site, so parents can find and feed their young.
For fledglings (mostly feathered and capable of hopping), intervention is usually not necessary. These birds are naturally out of the nest, practicing flight and foraging skills under parental supervision. Observe from a distance to confirm parents are nearby and attending to it.
Only intervene if in immediate danger, such as a road or predator’s path. Gently move the bird to a safer, nearby location (e.g., dense bush or under a tree), where parents can still locate it. Always wash your hands before and after handling any bird.
When Professional Help is Needed
Professional assistance is needed in specific circumstances. If the bird has visible injuries (e.g., broken wing, bleeding, animal attack), it needs immediate specialized care. Similarly, if a nestling appears cold, wet, or lethargic, or if parents haven’t returned within a few hours of being placed in a makeshift nest, professional help is warranted.
Certain bird species, such as raptors like owls and hawks, or waterfowl like ducks and geese, require specialized handling due to their unique needs and behaviors. In these situations, or if you are unsure how to proceed, contacting a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the most appropriate step. These professionals are trained to provide the necessary care and rehabilitation for injured or truly orphaned wild birds, maximizing their chances of survival and eventual return to the wild.