What To Do If You Find A Baby Bird?
It can be unexpected and worrisome to find a baby bird, especially if you don't know how to assist. Though it is sometimes necessary for humans to step in, baby birds frequently leave the nest as part of their normal development. A baby bird's chances of survival can be greatly increased by knowing what to do when you come upon one. This post will explain the procedures for figuring out whether the bird needs assistance, providing safe assistance, and knowing when to leave it alone. You can guarantee the best possible outcome for the baby bird and its release to the wild by being aware of these crucial steps.
Introduction
Brief Introduction To The Topic Of Finding Baby Birds
It can be a heartbreaking experience to find a newborn bird, leaving you unsure of what to do. Young birds spend a lot of time on the ground as part of their natural learning process, but occasionally they can require assistance. For the sake of the bird's safety and well-being, it is imperative to know how to evaluate its status and what actions to take. The below content provides helpful guidance on what to do in certain circumstances.
The Importance Of Understanding The Difference Between Fledglings And Nestlings
Understanding the difference between fledglings and nestlings is vital when you locate a newborn bird. When a nestling is discovered outside of its nest, it is a juvenile bird that is either completely featherless or has only a few feathers. However, while they learn to fly, fledglings are typically found on the ground, are older, and have feathers. Understanding this difference enables you to choose the best course of action, whether it is to put the bird back in its nest or to allow it to learn on its own.
Identifying The Type Of Baby Bird
Generally, it means when you find a baby bird, distinguish whether it is a fledgling or a nestling, thus making a proper choice on how you should act. Fledglings are juvenile birds that have recently left the nest, whereas nestlings mostly remain dependent on their parents. The reason for knowing the difference is that fledglings normally learn to fly or find all things available, but nestlings depend on your intervention if found outside their nest.
A. Fledglings
Definition: Feathered birds that have just left the nest are called fledglings. They are still in need of their parent's care while they learn to fly and become independent.

Characteristics: Able to hop, flutter, and hold onto branches. They may retain some downy feathers but are more developed than nestlings.
Common misconception: People often mistake healthy fledglings for injured birds. Many people see fledglings on the ground and consider them distressed, unaware that this is a normal life cycle phase as they attempt to fly and feed.
B. Nestlings
Definition: Baby birds that are not fully feathered and cannot move independently are nestlings. They are dependent on their parents for warmth and food. Moreover, they are also incapable of flying on their own.
Characteristics: Unable to walk, fly, or cling to branches. They typically rely entirely on their parents for heat and food. If you find a nestling outside the nest, try to locate the nest itself and return it there, if possible, since these birds are at a critical early point in their development.
What To Do When You Find A Fledgling?
When you meet a fledgling, you are likely to be required to observe the situation first. Fledglings usually appear at the point in life when they start learning how to fly and fend for themselves. Thus, it will be prudent to consider whether the bird is healthy or requires some assistance before reacting to the issue.
· Assess For Visible Signs Of Injury Or Illness
View the fledgling from a distance. Observe this bird for signs of injury, such as wing fractures or bruises with bleeding. Observe the general behavior of the bird. A healthy chick should be active and respond to anything put before it, whereas a sick bird would lie there, looking weak and lethargic. If the chick seems okay and moves around, do not touch it since over-handling will cause undue stress.
· Leave It Alone If Healthy; Parents Are Likely Nearby
If the fledgling is healthy, the course of action most often is simply leaving it alone. Most people misunderstand that nestlings must be rescued when they find them on the ground. In most cases, fledglings merely learn to fly and observe their surroundings. The parents are usually nearby, watching and waiting for an opportunity to feed. Be sure to leave space for the fledgling to gain confidence in flying. A fly-by view from a distance will not scare the parents away.
· Tips For Protecting The Fledgling (E.G., Keeping Pets Indoors)
As you observe a nestling, ensure it is protected from threats. A way to preserve a nestling is to keep pets indoors. Suggestively, dogs and cats could be very dangerous to young birds as they may accidentally harm them while playing or exploring. Install surrounding barriers in the form of temporary fences or caution signs to remind other people to be aware of the existence of a fledgling. Ensure that no hazard, such as pesticide or chemical fertilizers, exists within the area.
What To Do When You Find A Nestling?
It can be concerning to encounter a nestling out of its nest because these birds utterly depend on their parents for food. So, acting fast and without emotions is essential to ensure the nestling can return to a safer environment. Unlike fledglings, nestlings cannot move around by themselves, so some prompt action must be taken if they are found away from their nest.

· Steps To Locate And Return It To Its Nest
Firstly, if you ever find a nestling, see its natural nesting site. Try looking upwards at the nearby trees or shrubs where the nest could be located. Discreetly, quietly, and gently, hand the nestling back to it if you can see the nest. You will need gloves or soft clothes to handle the bird and minimize stress carefully. If inaccessible or too high, place the nest at a low level.
You may offer a small basket or container to make a substitute nest. It must also be kept quiet and safe and not very noisy or disturbing because screams of loud noises and any form of bustle scare the parent birds away. Suppose you cannot locate the nest or its contents have been destroyed. In that case, your future activities will involve caring for the nestling until he can safely return to a suitable environment.
· The Myth About Human Scent And Parental Abandonment
The most common myth is that if you touch a nestling, the parents will reject it because of human scent. Such a belief is not founded since many birds need a keen sense of smell and rely more on their vision and hearing to recognize their chicks. Thus, if you carefully put the nestling back into its nest, the parents will not desert it due to human contact.
With such knowledge of the myth, fears are always eased and set people on the right course of action in helping the nestling. Return the bird to its nest immediately because parental care is crucial for the chick's survival. Keep a watch, but at a distance from the nest; after returning the bird, the parents start bringing food and feeding again.
· Creating An Artificial Nest If The Original Nest Is Destroyed
If you cannot find the nest or it is destroyed, you can be compelled to put together an artificial one for a temporary abode. You can use any small and sturdy thing available- a basket or a cardboard box- to make the nest. Fill the container with paper towels, grass, or feathers to make the nestling comfortable.
Put the artificial nest in a safe, sheltered location near where you found the bird to protect it from predators and harsh weather. After placing the artificial nest, locate a local wildlife rehabilitator who can further guide you in caring for the nestling. An artificial nest can be prepared to at least help bridge the time spent waiting until appropriate help is secured so the nestling might have a fighting chance at survival.
When To Contact Wildlife Rehabilitation?
Here are some details regarding when you need to contact Wildlife Rehabilitation:
· Signs That Indicate A Baby Bird Needs Professional Help
There are many indications that a baby bird needs expert help. An instant reaction would be necessary if the bird is on the ground, unconscious, or shows blood, breaks of wings, or swelling of different parts of the body.
A nestling left in a place with no sign of return from its parents for a long time indicates that it needs assistance. Other alert signs include that it had no feathers; the bird could not open its eyes, or had trouble breathing.
· Importance Of Contacting A Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
If you do not know what to do, you may stress or even further harm the animal. Licensed rehabilitators have the avenue of medicines and hospital equipment that no normal human would have access to, making the chances of survival much more probable.
Many rehabilitators can advise over the phone what to do first, for example, keeping the bird stabilized until professional help arrives. Their vast knowledge and experience are important in giving the baby bird the highest hopes for survival and return to the wild.
· Emergency Care Tips While Waiting For Assistance
A bird might be placed in a quiet, warm, and dark room to minimize stress before the arrival of professional assistance. If the bird is chilled, wrap it with a soft cloth or towel or place a heating pad under half the enclosure on a low setting to warm it up.
Only feed it if you are told to feed it. If so, it may aspirate on food or have other gastrointestinal issues. If the bird is a nestling, use a dropper to moisten its beak slightly with water, but only if the wildlife rehabilitator has recommended that you do this. These emergency care tips can ensure the best possible outcome until professional assistance arrives.
How Do You Take Care Of A Baby Bird?
A baby bird rearing requires tender and cautious handling and knowledge of its unique needs. If you find a nestling or fledgling that needs rescue, you can place it in a quiet, warm environment that is free from disturbance.
If the bird is a nestling, you must feed it with a particular diet, which may comprise some soft foods given with baby bird formula through a dropper or syringe. Only feed it if you're sure of what to give. Always provide fresh water and minimize touching for reduced stress. If you do not know, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
General Tips For Helping Baby Birds
Support for baby birds also reflects their importance to us for the individual bird and the environment. Of course, there are general tips for supporting these little creatures. The most important action you can take is to teach others and even yourself about the needs of the baby bird. These may run from feeding practices to safety measures within their habitat to survive.
1. Keeping Outdoor Cats Indoors
The easiest way to prevent baby birds from falling prey is to keep outdoor cats indoors. Cats are instinctual hunters and an area where young birds, especially fledglings, which have yet to master the art of flight, should be drastically reduced. Not letting your cat get out will also reduce the predation risk significantly. If you don't have any such cat, create a safe outdoor enclosure for them or use a leash and harness when letting your cat outside safely and under supervision.
2. Providing Natural Food Sources For Young Birds
Natural food sources could support the early stages of their development by creating a bird-friendly environment. Another way is to grow to grow seed-producing shrubs and trees; the adults will be around to feed their babies. You may also position bird feeders with appropriate seeds and suet so the parental birds will visit.
3. Avoiding Tree Trimming During Nesting Season
Many species of birds nest in trees and shrubs, typically between spring and early summer. If you begin to cut or trim branches during this time, you are likely to disturb nests and force the birds that inhabit them to leave their nests or get hurt. The nestlings should only be safe when you make your last cuts at the end of summer or fall.
4. Supporting Wildlife Rehabilitators Through Donations
Another important way you can help baby birds is by donating to wildlife rehabilitators. Most rehabilitation is supported entirely by donations, as feeding, medical care, and shelter for hurt or orphaned birds consume them completely.
What To Do If You Find A Baby Bird – FAQs
Below are some important questions and answers about finding a baby bird.
· Should You Pick Up A Baby Bird?
Never pick up a baby bird unless it is in danger or injured. Assuming it is a fledgling; its mother is probably watching her chick all the time and will continue to feed it just where it has fallen.
· Are Baby Birds Supposed To Be On The Ground?
Many young birds leave their nest just before they master flying. It is normal for them to be on the ground, learning to hop and flutter. Their parent birds usually stay close to them, guiding and feeding them.
· Is Touching Birds Safe?
While touching birds is not usually dangerous, it should be avoided unless necessary. Handling them can cause a lot of stress on the birds. Incorrect handling can also wound them. If you must touch one, do it gently and for the minimum possible time.
· Will A Mother Bird Reject Her Baby If Touched?
Most mother birds will not reject their chicks even if touched. There is no truth in the myth that human scent repels chicks, as most birds have a rudimentary sense of smell and, thus, should be handled minimally to avoid stress.

Conclusion
Finding and seeing a baby bird can be an amazing event, but it's crucial to understand how to react to ensure its welfare. Knowing the difference between fledglings and nestlings facilitates decision-making. If it's possible, carefully place the bird back in its nest if it's a nestling. When a fledgling is learning to fly, keep an eye on it from a distance to make sure it's safe. Prioritize the safety of animals at all times, and if you're unsure of how to assist the bird, speak with nearby wildlife rehabilitators.
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