Quick Answer
It is possible for a bird to survive being run over by a car, but the chances are very low. Smaller birds are more likely to be killed outright, while larger birds like geese may survive with serious injuries. Speed, tire type, and exactly how the bird was struck will be major factors. Immediate veterinary care gives a struck bird its best odds of survival.
How Likely Is It That a Bird Can Survive Being Run Over?
Being struck by a moving vehicle is extremely traumatic for any animal. However, there are a few factors that make it possible, although unlikely, for some birds to survive being run over:
- Size – Larger birds like geese and turkeys have a better chance of surviving than smaller songbirds. Their bodies are higher off the ground, meaning the tires may pass over them rather than crushing them.
- Speed – Birds struck at lower speeds have a better chance than those hit at highway speeds. The faster the vehicle is moving, the more traumatic force is applied.
- Tires – Wider tires with more surface area crosswise are more likely to pass over a bird rather than pinning it down. Off-road tires fare better than narrow high-performance tires.
- Angle – The way the bird was struck matters. A glancing blow or being pushed forward by the grille gives the bird a better chance than being struck head-on.
Even with these factors working in their favor, less than 25% of birds survive being struck by a car. Small songbirds often don’t make it, while larger waterfowl and raptors have better odds. A lot depends on whether any bones were broken and how severe the internal injuries are.
Injuries a Bird Can Sustain From Being Run Over
Birds that do survive being struck by a vehicle often sustain serious injuries. These can include:
- Broken bones – Wings, legs, hips, and ribs commonly get fractured or shattered.
- Ruptured air sacs – Birds have air sacs rather than lungs. These can rupture and collapse.
- Head trauma – Severe blows to the head can cause neurological symptoms, brain bleeding, and skull fractures.
- Internal bleeding – Organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, and intestines can hemorrhage.
- Spinal damage – Disk ruptures, vertebrae fractures, and spinal cord trauma are possible.
The extent of the injuries depends on the size of the bird and speed of the vehicle. Small birds often sustain massive internal trauma, crushed organs, and severed spines which are fatal. Larger birds tend to have more localized fractures and bleeding that may be survivable with swift treatment.
What Factors Increase a Bird’s Chance of Survival?
Getting prompt veterinary treatment gives a struck bird its best shot at survival. Other beneficial factors include:
- Minimal speed of the vehicle – The slower a car is moving when it hits a bird, the less force is applied.
- Being a larger bird – Larger species like ducks and geese fare better than small songbirds.
- Struck at an angle – Glancing blows and forward propulsion cause less trauma than direct hits.
- Quick transport to a wildlife rehabilitator – This minimizes stress, blood loss, and shock.
- Supportive care – Fluids, nutritional support, and pain management aid healing.
- Surgical repair – Fixing fractures, lacerations, bleeding sites, and trauma right away is key.
The stronger and healthier a bird was prior to being struck also improves its prognosis. Young fledglings and molting or ill birds have lower survival rates.
Can a Bird Recover Completely After Being Run Over?
Full recoveries are possible, but a struck bird often sustains permanent disabilities:
- Limping or lameness from orthopedic injuries.
- Loss of flight ability if a wing doesn’t heal right.
- Neurological deficits impacting balance, coordination, and head tilt.
- Amputation if a limb had to be removed.
- Blindness or vision impairment from head trauma.
- Hearing loss.
With supportive care during rehabilitation, many birds can adapt to disabilities and be released back into the wild. However, some more severely injured birds may need to remain in captivity if their survival in nature would be unlikely. Quality of life is an important consideration when evaluating recovery.
How to Help a Bird That’s Been Struck by a Vehicle
If you encounter an injured bird after it’s been hit by a car, here are important steps to help it survive:
- Pull over and turn on your hazard lights if it’s safe.
- Carefully move the bird off the road to prevent secondary injury.
- Gently contain the bird with a towel to minimize stress.
- Don’t try to feed, water, or self-treat the bird.
- Call a local wildlife rehabilitator for transport advice.
- Warm the bird slightly if it’s cool out.
- Avoid excess handling and noise which can add stress.
- Get the bird to a wildlife expert as soon as you can.
Trying to treat an injured wild bird without proper training can do more harm than good. The best help you can offer is a swift, gentle transport to a rehab facility for professional treatment. This gives the bird its greatest chance of survival and recovery.
Conclusion
Being struck by a vehicle is extremely traumatic for birds. Smaller species often don’t survive, while larger birds have better odds, especially if struck at slower speeds. Broken bones, organ damage, and bleeding are common injuries. Prompt veterinary care and rehabilitation give a struck bird the best chance at recovery, although disabilities are common. With some luck and quick action, even severely injured birds can make remarkable recoveries. But the most important thing is to get the bird secured and transported to professional care as soon as possible.
