A young bird that is just learning to fly is typically referred to as a fledgling. Fledglings are juvenile birds who have grown enough feathers and developed enough strength in their wings to leave the nest and take their first flights. However, they are still dependent on their parents for food and protection while they perfect their flying skills.
When Do Birds Fledge?
The age at which birds fledge can vary significantly depending on the species. Some precocial species like ducks and chickens are able to flee the nest within hours or days of hatching. Altricial songbirds, on the other hand, usually fledge between 10-14 days after hatching. Larger birds like hawks, owls, and eagles may not fledge for 6-10 weeks as they require more time to develop their muscles and plumage.
A few factors that determine when a young bird will fledge include:
- Species – Some types of birds naturally fledge earlier than others.
- Size – Larger bird species tend to fledge later.
- Development – The rate at which a chick gains feathers and muscle mass impacts fledging time.
- Parental care – Birds with attentive parents often fledge later with more assistance.
- Nest location – Ground and cliff nests encourage earlier fledging than high tree nests.
- Predation threats – Chicks may fledge early if there is pressure from predators.
- Food availability – An abundant food source can allow for a longer nesting period.
Knowing the typical fledging times for different species can help birders determine when they are most likely to spot fledglings leaving their nests. However, the exact timing can vary from bird to bird based on environmental conditions and individual development.
Signs That a Bird Is Ready to Fledge
Here are some signs that a young bird is nearly ready to take its first flight from the nest:
- Feathers – The chick will have most of its juvenile feathers, including flight feathers on the wings and tail.
- Wing flapping – Fledglings will flap and exercise their wings frequently in the days before fledging.
- Perching – The chick will perch on the edge of the nest or nearby branches.
- Parental coaxing – Adult birds may entice their young out of the nest by flying nearby with food.
- Discomfort – A fully feathered chick may find the nest overly cramped and uncomfortable.
- Age – The chick has reached the standard fledging age range for its species.
Even after displaying signs of readiness, a chick may wait for the right moment to fledge based on weather, food availability, and parental cues. But if a chick survives in the nest for the average fledging period of its species, chances are high it will soon take its first flight.
The Fledgling Phase
The fledgling phase is a critical learning period for juvenile birds. During this time, they will learn skills like:
- Flight – Fledglings have to perfect taking off, flying and landing.
- Foraging – Young birds start identifying food sources and honing their hunting techniques.
- Self-sufficiency – Fledglings become increasingly independent of their parents.
- Predator avoidance – Fledglings learn to identify and evade predators in the environment.
- Migration – Some species must learn navigational skills to migrate long distances.
Parent birds play an important role during the fledgling phase by continuing to bring food, calling softly to guide the young birds, and warning them of any incoming predators. However, parent birds may start to withdraw care as the fledgling develops, encouraging it to find its own way. This staged transition helps the young bird gain full independence.
Dangers Fledglings Face
Despite the protection and guidance of their parents, fledglings face many threats during this vulnerable stage, including:
- Starvation – Fledglings may struggle to find sufficient food as they learn to forage.
- Predators – Common fledgling predators include hawks, owls, snakes, cats, raccoons, and other birds.
- Collisions – Unsteady flying abilities lead some fledglings to collide with man-made structures.
- Falls – Some young birds tumble from nests or perches before they can fly well.
- Harsh weather – Exposure to extreme heat, cold, wind or rain can be deadly.
- Poisons – Pesticides and toxins can poison naive fledglings sampling food sources.
Nestlings and newly fledged birds have very high mortality rates, often over 70% in the first few weeks according to wildlife rehabilitators. However, the lucky fledglings that survive this perilous phase go on to replenish wild bird populations.
How to Help Fledglings
Here are some tips for helping fledgling birds thrive during this critical stage:
- Leave them be – The best option is usually leaving fledglings alone so parents can continue caring for their young.
- Avoid nest areas – Steer clear of active nests to prevent forcing chicks to prematurely fledge.
- Keep cats indoors – Protect fledglings from domestic and feral cats, a major predatory threat.
- Reduce collisions – Place decals on windows or disguise glass to prevent deadly collisions.
- Create habitats – Fledglings benefit from native plants and bird-friendly gardens providing food and shelter.
- Keep fledglings shaded – Place grounded fledglings in a shaded bush or under a tree if parents are gone.
- Contact rehabbers – If a fledgling is injured, orphaned, or in imminent danger, contact wildlife rehabilitators for help.
With supportive parenting from wild birds and a little help from humans, fledglings can hone the skills to thrive after leaving the nest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fledgling bird look like?
Fledgling birds have most of their feathers, though they may appear scruffy or uneven at first. They often have enlarged yellow gapes and dark eyes. Compared to nestlings, fledglings are more alert and mobile, capable of walking, hopping, or flapping short distances.
How do you tell if a baby bird is a nestling or fledgling?
Nestlings have few if any feathers, closed eyes, and cannot leave the nest on their own. Fledglings have most feathers and open eyes, and are capable of leaving the nest by hopping, walking, or short flights. Nestlings require round-the-clock care while fledglings can survive short periods alone.
What should I feed a fledgling bird?
You generally should not feed wild fledglings yourself, but leave care to the parents. If emergency feeding is needed, an avian veterinarian can recommend specialized nutritional formulas for young songbirds. Only use a small syringe to drop feed drops along the gape line.
How long do fledglings stay with their parents?
Fledglings may remain close to their parents anywhere from a few days to several weeks after leaving the nest. The length of parental care varies by species. Most songbirds care for fledglings for 2-3 weeks until they can forage independently.
Where do fledgling birds sleep?
In the first days after leaving the nest, fledglings may continue sleeping in the nest or in nearby branches. As they become more independent, they sleep farther from the original nest in dense shrubs or trees that provide cover. Parent birds will continue to help young find suitable night roosts.
Can you put a fledgling bird back in the nest?
It’s generally best not to put a fledgling back in the nest if it has voluntarily hopped out. Their feathers and mobility indicate they are ready to leave. Fledglings can survive on the ground while parents continue caring for them. Only use a nest reunion if the chick is in immediate danger.
Why do fledglings die?
High mortality rates among fledglings are often due to natural predators, lack of food, harsh weather, health issues like parasites, or accidental deaths from collisions. Some amount of fledgling mortality is normal as young birds learn to survive on their own.
Do baby birds sleep at night?
Yes, both nestling and fledgling birds must sleep at night to conserve energy, stay warm, avoid nocturnal predators, and rest for growth and development. Night sleeping allows young birds’ energy requirements to sync up with periods of daylight when parents can find food.
How do you identify a baby bird?
Identifying nestling and fledgling birds first requires locating a nest or observing parent birds feeding young. Nestlings have few feathers, eyes closed, and cannot leave the nest. Fledglings have more feathers, open eyes, and can hop small distances from the nest. Field guides can help ID specific bird species.
Do baby robins sleep in nest or on ground?
Baby robins sleep in the nest as nestlings for about 2 weeks after hatching. Once they fledge and leave the nest, they will sleep on the ground, hidden beneath shrubs and dense cover, for several more weeks, with parents continuing to feed and care for them.
What does a baby sparrow look like?
Nestling house sparrows have pale yellow skin and few visible feathers up to around 5 days old. As they develop, pinfeathers emerge. Around day 10, the first flight feathers begin growing. Fledgling house sparrows have mostly feathered bodies, short tails, and still have some yellow gaps around the beak.
Conclusion
The fledgling stage is both an exciting and precarious time in a young bird’s life. Identifying fledglings and understanding their needs can help bird enthusiasts support wild birds during this critical phase. While many fledglings do not survive to adulthood, those that make it through the fledgling phase stand a much better chance of reaching their full life expectancy. With time and practice, fledglings gain greater flight prowess, independence, and the abilities needed to thrive in the wild.
