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Catching a bird that has flown into your house can be a tricky endeavor, but with some preparation and patience, it can be done humanely without harming the bird. The key is to act calmly and avoid scaring the bird further while herding it slowly to an open door or window. Having the right equipment on hand will also help make the process smoother.
How did the bird get inside in the first place?
Birds may accidentally fly into houses through open doors and windows or come down chimneys. Sometimes young birds that are learning to fly may accidentally end up inside if they lose their way. Birds may also deliberately enter houses in search of food, water or shelter, especially during colder months when resources are scarce outdoors.
Why can’t I just shoo the bird outside?
While the impulse may be to wave your arms and shoo the bird right out the door, this can actually end up being counterproductive. Birds are easily spooked, and a harsh motion may simply scare the bird further into your home rather than guiding it out. Startled birds may fly erratically around the interior, increasing the chances of injuring themselves on walls, ceiling fans or furniture. Staying calm and moving slowly is key.
Steps to catch a bird in your house:
1. Close all exterior doors and windows except for one
This first step is key to minimize escape routes for the bird. Close all doors leading outside, draw window shades or curtains on windows and make sure there is just one window or door open that leads to the outdoors from the room the bird is in. This will make herding the bird outside much simpler when the time comes.
2. Turn off ceiling fans and clear furniture
With the bird already likely feeling confused and stressed in the unfamiliar house environment, it’s important not to further compound the hazards. Turn off any ceiling fans in the area and clear furniture away from the center of the room to avoid the bird injuring itself in a collision. Dim bright lights if possible as well.
3. Remain calm and work slowly
You want to avoid spooking the bird any further. Move slowly without sudden motions or loud noises. Speak in a soothing, reassuring tone if talking. Avoid direct and prolonged eye contact which can seem threatening. Have patience and allow the bird to settle if it seems anxious. Rushing the process could cause the bird to panic and hurt itself.
4. Optionally set out food and water
Putting out a shallow dish with birdseed, grains or mealworms can encourage the bird to land in a predictable spot while herding it to the exit. Provide water in a low dish as well away from the food to avoid contamination. Once the bird starts eating or drinking, it may allow you to approach more closely to guide it out.
5. Dim the lights in adjacent rooms
Birds are drawn to light and will typically move towards brighter areas from darker ones. With all doors and windows closed except the designated exit, keep lights low in the rest of the house and turn the lights up around the open door or window. The relative brightness should draw the bird in that direction.
6. Herd the bird slowly to the exit
Now comes the tricky part – slowly herding the bird without scaring or injuring it. You may opt to use an object like a broom, mop or rolled up towel to gently guide the bird by placing it behind or to the side of the bird. Avoid coming from above which is seen as a threat. Move steadily in the direction of the open door, nudging the bird to fly if needed. Have patience and stop if it seems panicked.
7. Allow the bird to fly out on its own
When within a few feet of the exit, cease herding motions and allow the bird to fly out at its own pace. Don’t rush or lunge at this point. Most birds will readily leave for the outdoors once an open path is clear. Especially if food, water and lights have been used to funnel it to the door. Once the bird leaves, quickly close the door or window.
Tips for catching specific types of birds
For hummingbirds:
– Set out a nectar feeder to draw it to a predictable spot
– Make high pitched humming sounds to mimic birds outside
– Gently herd with a lightweight cloth rather than a hard instrument
For finches and canaries:
– Use classic finch bird calls and chirping sounds to reassure
– Display a mirror on the wall opposite the open exit so it flies towards its reflection
For parrots or cockatoos:
– Offer favorite fruits or nuts to lure it down
– Know that they may voluntarily fly to your shoulder or head
– Carefully grasp and transport larger birds directly if possible
What not to do when trying to catch a bird
- Make sudden loud noises like yelling or banging objects – this will panic the bird
- Swing towels or netting aggressively at the bird
- Turn out all the lights trying to flush the bird – birds can injure themselves in darkness
- Let cats, dogs or other pets loose in the room with the bird
- Try to catch the bird with your bare hands – you could harm it or get bitten or scratched
- Force the bird upward into a confined space like a small room or corner – this traps the bird with no escape route
What to do once you catch the bird
Once you manage to herd the bird out of the open door or window, there are still a few things you should do:
- Quickly close the door or window before the bird tries to fly back inside
- Watch to see if the bird is injured – look for any broken wings or legs that may hamper its ability to fly
- If uninjured, allow the bird to rest and recover from the stress before taking off again
- Optionally set out water and food sources nearby to help it regain strength
- Contact wildlife authorities if the bird seems seriously hurt and needs rehabilitation
Getting the bird safely back into the open air should provide great relief. Be sure to keep doors and windows properly closed or screened moving forward to prevent a repeat incident. You may also want to identify what attracted the bird inside, like an open chimney flue or fruit trees near the home. Eliminating these entry points and food sources can help ensure your home remains a bird-free zone.
Conclusion
Catching a lost bird that finds its way into your house can be daunting, but taking a gentle and patient approach focused on safely herding the bird to an exit without undue stress is key. Avoid sudden noises or movements and remove hazards in the environment like ceiling fans. Use lights, food and sounds judiciously to guide the bird’s movements towards a single open door or window. Allow it to exit at its own pace, then promptly close off any entrances to ensure the bird doesn’t simply turn around and fly back inside. With care and persistence, you can get the bird back outside where it belongs without harm. Just be sure to identify and remedy what allowed it access in the first place.
