What to Do If You Find a Hummingbird on the Ground (and What to Absolutely Avoid)

Hummingbirds are prized residents in any yard. Their buzzing wings, bright colors, and expert pollination skills make them both beautiful and beneficial. So if you see one on the ground—whether it's hurt, injured, or learning to fly—your first instinct is likely to come to its rescue.

However, intervention isn't always the right approach. Some birds may be stunned and able to recover on their own, while others may be fledglings with parents nearby. Offering food or over-handling the bird can put your feathered friend in danger. Instead, follow these expert suggestions for when to get close, when to stay away, and how to call a wildlife expert when you see a hummingbird on the ground.

Wait to Approach

If you’ve spotted a hummingbird on the ground, the first rule is to look, don’t touch. "The only time a hummingbird is likely to be on the ground is when it is injured or newly fledged from the nest, so if you see a grounded hummingbird, it may need help," says Melanie Furr, director of education at Birds Georgia. "Before intervening, observe carefully from a distance for a few minutes to see if it is able to fly away. If the bird doesn’t fly away, approach carefully to assess the situation further."

Check for Signs of Injury

As you move closer, look for signs of injury, which are common in birds that have been attacked by a predator or stunned by a window collision. "Signs of hummingbird injuries may include bleeding, open wounds, a limp or hanging wing, inability to stand or perch, unresponsiveness, weakness, closed eyes, rapid or labored breathing, disorientation, missing feathers, or its tongue sticking out (spoiled sugar water from feeders can cause fungal infection on the tongue)," says David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation.

Leave Fledglings Alone

Baby hummingbirds can end up on the ground when they’re learning to fly. "Young hummingbirds have white throats (like their mother) and shorter wings, bills, and tails than their parents," says Furr. If you identify the hummingbird as a fledgling without any injuries, step back and let the baby bird’s parents take over. "For an alert, mostly feathered fledgling, leave it alone," says Mizejewski. "It’s normal and natural for young birds to be on the ground after leaving the nest while they learn to fly. The parents are nearby, protecting and feeding the fledglings."

When to Call a Wildlife Expert

If an adult hummingbird is noticeably injured, it’s time to call an expert wildlife rehabilitator. Another instance when you should call an expert is if the hummingbird is a nestling—a baby that isn't fully feathered, as it will need help getting back into its nest. If you don't see a nearby nest or if the mom doesn't return to the nest, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately, as a baby will require specialized care, says Mizejewski.

Furr recommends Animal Help Now, a website and free app that organizes contact information by zip code. "Getting the bird into care quickly will maximize its chances of survival," she says.

Avoid Moving the Hummingbird

Moving an injured hummingbird—or any wild animal—should be a last resort. "Handling can cause extreme stress and can damage the bird’s delicate feathers," says Mizejewski.

However, some scenarios will require you to give the bird immediate care while you wait for a wildlife expert. "If the bird has any obvious wounds, is breathing heavily, or has flies or ants around it, it needs help," says Furr. "Gently cup the bird in your hands using gloves or a hand towel, if available, and put it in a shoe box or other ventilated container lined with a soft cloth. If the bird is able to perch, a small twig can be placed in the box." 

Do Not Feed the Hummingbird

Don't attempt to give a hummingbird food or water unless the wildlife expert you contact suggests offering the bird homemade nectar. "Because hummingbirds have an incredibly fast metabolism, they can starve within just a few hours," says Furr. "Mix 4 parts water to 1 part white table sugar (do not use raw sugar, honey, or other sweeteners) and offer in a hummingbird feeder or medicine dropper. Offer nectar every 30 minutes until you can get the bird to a rehabilitator."

Avoid Common Mistakes

Even the best-intentioned hummingbird rescues can endanger the bird. Avoid these common mistakes to give your bird the best chance of survival.

• Don’t assume a baby bird is abandoned: "Especially with fledglings, parents are often nearby and still caring for the young," says Mizejewski. "Premature intervention can separate the baby from its parents. Touching or handling unnecessarily can cause stress, potential feather damage, and the transmission of diseases."
• Don’t plan to keep the bird as a pet: Rescuing a hummingbird is legal; adopting one is not. "It is illegal to possess native wild birds without the proper permits; they also require specialized care that most people cannot provide," says Mizejewski. If you can’t connect with a rehabilitator immediately, don’t give up. "Keeping a wild bird for longer than a few hours is against the law, so continue to try to contact a licensed professional," says Furr.
• Don’t try to feed it: Avoid providing the bird with food or water unless an expert tells you to offer nutrition. "Giving the wrong type of food or forcing liquids can be harmful—or even fatal," says Mizejewski.