What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird on the Ground, According to Wildlife Experts

Finding a baby bird on the ground without its parents nearby can be alarming, but it's rarely what it seems. Parent birds are often nearby, even if you don't see them right away, as they may be out foraging or watching from a distance. However, there are instances when the baby bird is truly abandoned or injured and in need of human intervention. To help you navigate this potentially stressful situation, we reached out to wildlife experts who explain what you should do if you find a baby bird on the ground. 

What to Do First

When finding a baby bird on the ground, always wait to intervene until you have a better understanding of the situation.

Assess the Situation

While it may be tempting to intervene when finding a baby bird on the ground, the first thing to do is stop and assess the situation from afar. Observe the bird to determine its age, if it is injured, or if it's in danger from pets and predators, traffic, or people, says conservation biologist Kaitlyn Parkins, who is the glass collisions program coordinator at American Bird Conservancy. 

Determine the Bird's Age

How you handle the situation largely depends on the bird's age. “Not every baby bird found on the ground needs rescuing. In fact, many young birds spend several days on the ground while learning to fly and are still being cared for by their parents,” says Andrea Howley-Newcomb, clinic director of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc. “Parents do not come as often as they do when they are young nestlings.”

• Nestlings: Nestlings are very young birds that are not fully feathered and might be covered in fluffy down. They may have some feathers, but also bald patches, and may still have their spiky pin feathers. These birds cannot survive outside the nest, as they're unable to hop, fly, perch, or regulate their temperature well, says Parkins. For these reasons, nestlings should generally be returned to the nest whenever possible. 
• Fledglings: Fledglings are older, mostly feathered birds that are often found outside the nest. They may be seen hopping, fluttering, and perching on low branches or the ground as they develop their flight skills. “Fledglings belong outside the nest and usually should be left alone unless injured or in danger,” says Parkins. “That distinction matters because many healthy fledglings are mistakenly ‘rescued' when they actually need to stay with their parents outdoors.”

Look for a Nest 

If the bird is a nestling, our experts recommend gently placing it back in its nest. “It is a myth that parent birds will reject a baby because it has been touched by humans,” says Howley-Newcomb. “Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will continue caring for their young.”

If you can't find a nest, Howley-Newcomb says a temporary replacement can be made by using a small basket, berry container, or similar container with drainage holes. “Secure it as close as possible to the original nest location and place the bird inside,” she says. “Then monitor from a distance to see whether the parents resume care. If parents do not return or the bird appears compromised, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.” 

Don't Worry If You Don't See the Parents

If the bird is a fledgling, don't panic if you don't see the parents right away. “A bird is rarely abandoned. Parent birds often leave to forage and may stay away from the nest area if people are nearby,” says Howley-Newcomb. “If the bird is alert, active, hopping, and has feathers covering most of its body, it is likely a fledgling that is learning to fly. If possible, watch from a distance for at least one to two hours to see whether the parents return.” 

Keep Pets and Children Away

Pets pose a safety risk to young birds out of the nest. “The sad reality: Cats kill billions of birds each year. They are deadlier for birds than building or vehicle collisions or pesticide poisoning,” says Karina Jiménez, of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. “Keep domestic cats indoors, perhaps installing a catio to give them partial access to the outside world.” 

She adds that dogs can also pose a threat to wild birds. “Even the presence of a leashed dog can frighten a bird away from its nest, leaving its nestlings vulnerable,” she says. “If you are aware of a nest on your typical walking route, consider going a different way or crossing the street when you pass by.”

It's also advisable to keep kids away from baby birds and teach them to observe wildlife without handling it, Howley-Newcomb says.

When to Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator 

Always call a wildlife rehabilitator if the bird is injured or displaying signs of distress—no matter its developmental stage. The following are indicators you should contact a professional as soon as possible: 

• Visible wounds or bleeding
• A drooping wing or obvious fracture
• Difficulty standing or remaining upright
• Closed or swollen eyes
• Labored breathing
• Evidence of a cat or dog attack
• Significant insect presence
• Extreme weakness, lethargy, or unresponsiveness
• Cold body temperature
• Proximity to a road or busy area 
• A hatchling or nestling without parents

When calling a wildlife rehabilitation center, David Mizejewski, naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, says to be prepared to describe the bird's condition, whether it is feathered or featherless, where it was found, what circumstances led to the discovery, and whether any injuries or human-related incidents were observed.

It is also helpful to provide photos of the bird in need of assistance. “We always ask callers to text us a photo of the bird so that we can confirm the species,” says Jiménez. “Especially with baby birds, it's harder than you might think to properly identify them, and some rehabilitators are only licensed to treat certain species, so they will want to know if the bird is one that they can treat.”

While waiting for instructions, Parkins says not to give the bird any food or water unless specifically directed by a rehabilitator.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes when encountering a baby bird out of its nest to prevent the situation from worsening.

• Relocating fledglings: Removing a bird that doesn't actually need help is one of the biggest mistakes our experts see. “Fledglings are frequently mistaken for abandoned birds when they are simply learning to fly,” says Mizejewski. 
• Giving them food or water: Never give a bird food or water. “Birds can easily aspirate water that's forced into their beaks, causing them to choke,” says Jiménez. “The bird may also be in shock, or it may not have the energy needed to digest food.” 
• Bringing a young bird inside: Bringing a young bird into your home to care for it could cause it to imprint on you. When this happens, it's unsafe for the bird to return to the wild. Jimenez says many birds brought into her center were initially “raised” by humans and are now entirely dependent on her team for survival. “Had they been treated and released quickly and by professionals, they likely would have lived the rest of their lives in the wild,” she says.