It can be distressing to discover a baby swallow on the ground, seemingly helpless and vulnerable. This is a common occurrence in the natural world, and while it often prompts a desire to intervene, understanding the reasons behind it is the first step toward appropriate action. Not every fallen bird needs human rescue; some are simply taking their first steps toward independence.
Common Reasons for Falling
Baby swallows can fall from their nests for a variety of reasons, some natural and some related to their environment. Swallows typically construct cup-shaped nests from mud pellets mixed with their saliva, often in sheltered locations like under eaves, bridges, or inside barns. These mud nests, while sturdy, can be vulnerable to damage. Heavy rains or strong winds can weaken the nest structure, leading to a collapse or a section breaking off, causing chicks to fall.
Overcrowding within the nest is another frequent cause. Swallows often lay between three to seven eggs, with a typical clutch size of four to five. As nestlings grow rapidly, the nest can become cramped. This increased competition for space and food can lead to weaker nestlings being pushed out, or parents may eject sick chicks to focus resources on stronger ones. Young nestlings nearing fledging may also tumble out while exercising their wings or exploring the nest’s edge.
Nestling or Fledgling? Understanding the Difference
Determining if a fallen baby swallow is a nestling or fledgling dictates the appropriate action. A nestling is a very young bird, featherless or partially feathered with down. Their eyes may be closed or barely open, and they cannot hop or fly, indicating they are not ready to leave the nest. Nestlings are entirely dependent on parents for warmth and food, making survival outside the nest unlikely without intervention.
In contrast, a fledgling has developed most feathers, though wings and tail may appear short. Fledglings can hop, walk, or flutter short distances, even if they cannot fly proficiently. They have purposefully left the nest as a natural developmental step, with parents typically nearby, continuing to feed and care for them. Swallows do not fledge until they can fly, so finding one on the ground suggests it either fell prematurely or is a nestling.
What to Do If You Find a Fallen Baby Swallow
If you find a fallen baby swallow, first assess its developmental stage and condition. If it’s an uninjured nestling (featherless or sparsely feathered), return it to its nest if possible. Parent birds will not reject a chick touched by humans, as they have a poor sense of smell. If the nest is unreachable or destroyed, place a makeshift nest (e.g., a small basket with drainage holes lined with soft material) securely near the original site. Observe from a distance to confirm parents return to feed it.
If the bird is a fledgling (mostly feathered and able to hop or flutter), it likely does not need direct intervention. Fledglings are in a natural learning phase, and their parents are usually nearby, even if not immediately visible. Keep pets and people away, and observe from a distance to ensure parents are attending to it. If a fledgling is in immediate danger (e.g., in a road or exposed to predators), move it a short distance to a safer, sheltered location like under a bush, ensuring it remains within hearing distance of its parents. If the bird, regardless of stage, appears injured, cold, or abandoned after prolonged observation (two hours or more), contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately, as attempting to feed it without professional guidance can cause more harm than good.