If you find a baby bird with its eyes closed, there are a few things you should consider before taking any action. The first step is to identify if the bird is a nestling or a fledgling. Nestlings are baby birds that have no feathers and must be fed by their parents in the nest. Fledglings are older baby birds that have feathers and are learning to fly outside of the nest.
How to Identify if the Baby Bird is a Nestling or Fledgling
Nestlings have their eyes closed and very few if any feathers. They will be mostly immobile and rely on their parents to feed them. Fledglings will be fully feathered, have their eyes open, and be able to hop around on the ground. They are still learning to fly at this stage. If the baby bird has its eyes open, it is likely a fledgling. If the eyes are closed and it has no feathers, it is a nestling.
What to Do if You Find a Nestling Baby Bird
If you find a nestling baby bird on the ground, you should try to locate and return it to the nest if possible. Look in trees and bushes directly above where you found the bird. See if you can spot a nest and carefully return the chick. Make sure you wear gloves when handling baby birds to minimize the transfer of oils and pathogens from your hands that could harm them.
If you absolutely cannot find or reach the nest, you can create a makeshift nest using a small basket, container, or cup. Line it with paper towels or cloths and attach it as close to the original nest site as possible. Monitor the nest to see if the parents return and care for the chick. If they do not return within an hour, you will need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Key Points for Nestling Baby Birds
- No feathers, eyes closed
- Needs parents to feed it
- Return to nest quickly if possible
- Create makeshift nest as last resort
- Contact rehabber if parents do not return
What to Do if You Find a Fledgling Baby Bird
If the baby bird is fully feathered and hopping around on the ground, it is likely a fledgling learning to fly. In most cases, you should leave a fledgling alone. The parents are still taking care of it and feeding it, but they have kicked it out of the nest to encourage flying. Take these steps for fledglings:
- Leave the bird alone if it is in a safe spot away from pets and roads.
- You can monitor from a distance to ensure the parents are returning.
- Do not try to return a fledgling to the nest – it will jump out again.
- Only intervene if the bird is in immediate danger from predators or vehicles.
- If needed, place in bushes or on a tree limb nearby.
If the parents do not return to feed the fledgling within an hour, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. A healthy fledgling should appear alert, have clear eyes and smooth feathers. If it is injured or you are unsure of its health, seek expert advice from a rehab center.
Key Points for Fledgling Baby Birds
- Fully feathered, eyes open
- Hopping on ground, learning to fly
- Leave alone in most cases
- Monitor parents returning
- Only intervene if in immediate danger
How to Find a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If the baby bird needs to be taken into rehabilitation care, it is important to find an authorized wildlife expert. Here are some tips for finding a rehabilitator in your area:
- Search online directories like “wildlife rehabilitators [your city/state]”
- Contact your state wildlife agency’s website for listings
- Reach out to wildlife centers, humane societies or nature centers
- Ask your local animal control office or veterinarians
- Look for individuals licensed by state and federal authorities
When contacting the rehab center or individual, be prepared to describe the bird species, its condition, age and your exact location. Time is critical for the bird’s survival, so reach out as soon as possible if needed.
What to Avoid When Handling Baby Birds
When dealing with baby birds, there are some important things you should avoid doing:
- Do not give food or water – this can do more harm than good
- Avoid interacting with the bird too much, minimum handling
- Don’t use towels or blankets, the bird can get tangled
- Never try to “rescue” a baby bird that is healthy
- Don’t remove healthy birds from the nest
Baby birds have very specific diets and housing needs. It is best to leave care to the parents or a trained professional to ensure the baby stays healthy.
Act Quickly to Ensure the Best Outcome
Time is one of the most important factors when dealing with baby birds. Nestlings cannot survive long without being fed by parents. Fledglings are vulnerable on the ground to predators. Here are some timelines to keep in mind:
- Nestlings can die within an hour if parents do not return
- Fledglings should be checked on within an hour if alone
- Try to re-nest nestlings as quickly as possible
- Get rehabilitator advice fast if baby seems injured/ill
- Don’t keep baby birds in your care longer than necessary
The sooner you can return nestlings to the nest or get fledglings professional care, the better chance of survival they have. Have rehabilitator contacts handy before you need them.
Provide the Baby Bird Proper Shelter
If you end up needing to transport a baby bird to a rehabilitator, you’ll need to keep it sheltered during the journey. Here are some tips:
- Use a ventilated box or paper bag with air holes
- Place a nest of tissues, towels or cloths in the bottom
- Keep the baby in a quiet, warm, dark place
- Avoid direct sunlight or dangerous heat
- Don’t give food/water unless instructed by rehabber
Minimize stress on the baby bird and get it to expert care as soon as you can. Avoid jostling the box during transport so the baby stays comfortable.
Be Prepared if You Find a Baby Bird
By being prepared, you can act quickly and appropriately if you ever come across a baby bird needing help. Here are some tips:
- Have a list of rehabilitator contacts in your area
- Keep bird boxes/bags ready with nest materials
- Brush up on bird species and behaviors in your region
- Have gloves and towels on hand to handle birds safely
- Know the best places to temporarily shelter birds
- Understand signs of illness/injury to look for
The more knowledge you have about baby bird care ahead of time, the better chance the little chick has of getting the help it needs in time.
Conclusion
Finding a baby bird with its eyes closed can be worrying, but don’t panic. Take time to assess if it is a nestling or fledgling and proceed carefully. Follow the proper steps to reunite nestlings with parents when possible or get fledglings professional care if injured. Avoid well-meaning but harmful actions like feeding. With some preparation and by acting quickly, you can help ensure the little bird survives.
