How can I get a free baby bird?
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator and take the bird to them. Once you make contact with a rehabilitator, put the shoebox in your car and drive to their location as soon as you can. Call your government’s environmental, natural resources, wildlife, or similar department to find local wildlife rehabilitators.
Can a bird adopt a baby bird?
Different birds adopt for different reasons. Many species of birds that adopt are nidifugous: that is, the chicks are mobile and feeding themselves soon after hatching (think ducks, geese, shorebirds). In these species the parents don’t feed the chicks, they just lead them to food and protect them.
What to do if you find a baby bird-the RSPB?
The RSPB does not run bird hospitals or a rescue service, so please do not contact us about a baby bird, as we are unable to help. The RSPCA (England and Wales), SSPCA (Scotland) and USPCA (Northern Ireland) are the national charities that help and advise on injured wildlife. You can also find an independent local rescue centre on Help Wildlife .
What to do if you find a baby bird in Your House?
A smaller number of birds found by homeowners are truly nestlings. They are mostly featherless and sometimes the eyes are not yet open. They were probably blown from a nest, or the nest was destroyed.
Where to find baby birds in the wild?
You may come across them hopping along on the ground, perching on low-hanging branches, or hiding under bushes, but as long as they’re healthy, just let them be. Note: Fledglings are often “rescued” from their natural environment when they don’t need to be. Is the fledgling healthy?
Is it illegal to care for wild baby birds?
You should know that it is illegal to try to care for wild baby birds unless you have a federal permit under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). It is best to call your local wildlife rehabilitation center and let professionals care for the bird if necessary.
What to do if you find a baby bird on the ground?
If you find a young bird out of the nest and on the ground, follow this guide to determine if he or she needs any help as well as the best way to swoop in to offer assistance if necessary: Is the bird a nestling or a fledgling? Nestlings have few or no feathers, and if found on the ground, they need your help.
Where can I find photos of baby birds?
Photo of Mountain Bluebird nestling by Anne Elliot via Birdshare: (left); American Robin fledgling by Alex Lamoreaux/Macaulay Library. At some point, nearly everyone who spends time outdoors finds a baby bird—one that is unable to fly well and seems lost or abandoned.
You should know that it is illegal to try to care for wild baby birds unless you have a federal permit under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). It is best to call your local wildlife rehabilitation center and let professionals care for the bird if necessary.
What to do with an injured baby bird?
A sick, injured or orphaned baby bird may need emergency care until you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator. Bottom line: remember that the vast majority of “abandoned” baby birds are perfectly healthy fledglings whose parents are nearby and watching out for them.
