Many people have experienced finding a baby bird that has fallen from its nest. It’s common to worry that the mother bird has abandoned her baby if you find it alone on the ground. However, this is rarely the case. Mama birds are very dedicated to their young and will likely return to care for the chick even if it’s been moved from the nest. Here we’ll explore some common questions around what to do if you find a baby bird and whether its mother will come back for it.
What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground?
If you find a baby bird on the ground, the first step is to determine if it actually needs help. Fledgling birds will often leave the nest and hop around on the ground while they learn to fly. As long as the bird is uninjured, has most of its feathers, and is out of immediate danger from cats or traffic, it’s best to leave it alone. The parents are still feeding the fledgling even though it’s out of the nest.
However, if the bird is naked, injured, or in danger, here are some steps you can take:
- Gently pick up the bird and place it in a shallow box or basket lined with a soft cloth.
- Keep the bird somewhere safe, warm, and quiet. Depending on the species, you may need a heating pad set on low under half the box.
- Don’t try to feed the bird or give it water.
- Call a local wildlife rehabilitator for advice and options for care.
A wildlife rehabilitator will be able to properly assess if the bird needs medical treatment, feeding, and eventual release back to the wild. Avoid keeping the bird for longer than necessary.
Will the mother bird come back for her baby?
In most cases, yes, the mother bird will come back for her chick even if you’ve moved it from where you originally found it. Here are some reasons why:
- Mother birds have a strong instinct to care for their young and will search for a missing chick.
- Many bird species recognize and identify their babies by sound and look rather than relying on the location of the nest.
- Parent birds will often counter-swoop or dive-bomb perceived predators that get close to their nest in order to protect their young.
- It is a myth that birds completely abandon their babies if a human has touched them. Birds have a poor sense of smell compared to other animals.
There are exceptions, such as if the parent birds are killed or the baby is moved far away from the nest. But in general, as long as the chick is placed somewhere nearby and safe, its parents will find and care for it.
How can I tell if the mother bird is returning?
Here are signs that the mama bird is coming back for her chick:
- You see or hear an adult bird calling, circulating, or delivering food in the area.
- The baby’s food needs are being met – its crop is full after being empty.
- The baby bird appears alert and active.
- You can see or hear the parents scolding or attacking potential threats that get near the baby.
- The area under the baby is stained with feces, indicating the parents have been there.
If you do not observe any signs of the parents over an extended time, such as several hours, then the baby bird may need professional care. But again, it’s best not to interfere unless necessary.
What to do if you find a baby bird – step-by-step guide
Here is a summary of the step-by-step recommendations for what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest:
- Assess if the bird is a fledgling and if it’s in immediate danger. Leave it alone if so.
- If it’s in danger or injured, place it in a makeshift nest such as a basket or box lined with a soft cloth.
- Keep it somewhere safe and warm. Do not try to feed it.
- Call a local wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife center for advice and options.
- Monitor to see if the parents return and care for the chick over the next few hours.
- If no parents return by the following morning, take the chick to a rehabilitator who can provide proper care.
The key things to remember are minimizing intervention unless necessary, and contacting wildlife experts as soon as possible. This will give the parent birds the best chance of locating their chick and delivering proper care.
Why do baby birds leave the nest?
There are a few main reasons why baby birds end up outside of the nest before they are fully ready to fly:
Normal development
Many species of birds have a stage called branching where the fledglings will hop out of the nest and explore the nearby branches and ground while they continue developing flight skills. Parents still closely watch over and feed the birds during this stage.
Predator attacks
If predators such as cats, crows, or raccoons attack a nest, baby birds may get knocked out of the nest in the commotion. Parent birds will search for their babies on the ground after predator attacks.
Storms or high winds
Strong winds and storms can blow chicks and even entire nests out of trees and off ledges where they were previously sheltered. Parent birds will look for their displaced chicks.
Nest overcrowding
If multiple babies are crammed into a small nest, the movement and jostling can sometimes knock one out. The parents will still attend to the fallen chick.
Nest untenability
Sometimes nests become unsound if they are built in a poor location or damaged. The parents may purposefully remove chicks from a nest that seems unsafe.
So while it can be alarming to find baby birds out of the nest, in many cases this a natural part of their development. And parent birds are remarkably devoted to locating and caring for their displaced chicks.
Baby bird identification and behavior by species
Here is a table with notes on the appearance, behaviors, and needs of some common baby birds that you may encounter:
| Species | Identification | Behavior | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robins | Spotted chest, wispy tufts of feathers | Fledglings hop along ground, parents watch closely | Leave alone if parents present, place back in nest if fallen |
| Sparrows | Pinkish skin, wispy feathers | Hide and freeze when scared | Use heating pad for warmth |
| Finches | Smooth and nearly featherless | Gape for food, chirp constantly | Do not attempt to feed |
| Pigeons | Yellow fuzzy down | Parents feed “pigeon milk” | Keep safe from cats |
| Hummingbirds | Tiny, wings not fully formed | Very rapid metabolism | Immediate rehabilitator care needed |
| Songbirds | Varied color and patterns | Hop along branches, partial flight | Monitor for parental care |
Key differences in appearance and behaviors can help narrow down the species and appropriate care if a baby bird needs intervention. It’s always best to contact an expert for advice.
How to create a makeshift bird nest
If you need to temporarily house an infant bird until its parents can be located or take it to a wildlife rehabilitator, you’ll need a substitute nest. Here are some tips for making a DIY bird nest:
Choose a small basket, box, or container
The enclosure should be just large enough for the bird to fit inside while still staying warm. Too much space can allow dangerous chilling.
Line with soft, breathable material
Good lining options include tissues, paper towels, natural rags or towels, or dry leaves. Avoid synthetics which could catch on the bird.
Create a depression in the lining
Shape the lining into a rounded cup to cradle the chick’s body like a real nest would.
Warm the interior (optional)
You can place a heating pad or hot water bottle under half the enclosure, on low, to provide gentle warmth if needed.
Cover with mesh or fabric
Secure some permeable mesh or fabric over the top so that the chick is protected but air can still pass through.
Keep it elevated
Place the DIY nest up on a tree branch, table, or shelf so predators can’t reach it. Monitor it from a distance.
With some simple household materials, you can create a safe and comfortable nest for a baby bird in need until its parents can be located or it can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator for care.
How long can baby birds survive without parents?
Baby birds are extremely vulnerable and completely dependent on their parents to provide food and protection. Their survival time without parental care depends on the species and age of the chick:
Nestlings
Newly hatched birds with no feathers can only live for an hour or two without food and warmth from the parents. Their bodies lack the ability to thermoregulate.
Fledglings
Feathered nestlings close to flying can survive 6-12 hours unfed as they have some ability to self-regulate body heat. But they still need nutrition soon.
Precocial birds
Species like ducks and quails that feed themselves immediately can go longer without parents – up to 24 hours. But they lack protection from predators.
Any orphaned baby bird that has gone more than 12 hours with no observed parental care will need professional rehabilitation to have a chance at survival. Time is critical, so seek expert help promptly if needed.
Locating wildlife rehabilitators for baby birds
Here are some options for finding a wildlife specialist to assist with an orphaned, injured, or abandoned baby bird:
Contact local animal control
Many animal control departments have resources to redirect you to wildlife rehabbers in your immediate area.
Search online directories
Sites like The Humane Society, wildlifehotline.com, and ahnow.org have searchable databases for rehabbers across the US.
Call veterinary offices
Local vets, nature centers, and zoos can also provide referrals even if they don’t treat wild animals onsite.
Look up state wildlife agency contacts
Your state’s fish and wildlife department will have a list of permitted rehabilitators they work with.
Contact wildlife advocate groups
Organizations like the Wild Bird Fund or local Audubon chapters often have rehabilitation contacts.
With some diligent searching, you can almost always find a trained wildlife rehabilitator available to assist orphaned or injured baby birds in your area. Time and proper care are critical to their survival.
How can I volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation center?
If you want to spend more time helping orphaned and injured wild animals, consider volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Here are some tips:
Look for local rehab centers
Search online directories or ask your state wildlife agency to find certified rehab facilities near you. Expand your geographic range if needed.
Research opportunities
Visit the facility’s website or call to learn about their volunteer policies, schedules, and roles. Some have orientation sessions.
Expect needed commitments
You may need to commit to a regular weekly schedule, minimum time period like 3 months, and training. Longer roles like animal care require more time.
Be prepared for the work
Roles like cleaning cages and enclosures, preparing food, transporting animals, fundraising, and administrative work are common. The work can often be dirty or physically demanding.
Highlight relevant skills
Emphasize any prior experience you have with wildlife care or veterinary medicine when applying to volunteer. Highlight skills like responsibility and ability to follow protocols.
Understand boundaries
As an untrained volunteer, you will be restricted from hands-on medical care of injured animals or releasing rehabilitated animals. But you gain valuable experience assisting licensed professionals.
Committed volunteers are invaluable to helping understaffed rehab centers provide quality care to orphaned and injured wild animals. Be prepared to work hard in support roles if you want a hands-on learning experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can baby birds survive without their mother?
Most baby birds can only survive 1-2 days max without their mother’s care. Nestlings are unable to self-regulate temperature or get their own food. Fledglings have marginally better survival on their own. Prompt rehabilitation is needed for orphans.
Do baby birds need water?
Newborns get all required hydration from the food their parents provide. As they grow, birds can be given water in very shallow dishes but it requires caution not to drown them. Leave providing water to experts.
What do you feed an injured baby bird?
Hand feeding infant birds is extremely difficult and often unsuccessful. Their diet consists of regurgitated seeds/insects that fulfill precise nutritional needs per species. Always involve an experienced rehabilitator.
Can you touch baby birds?
It’s best not to touch nestlings or move fledglings unless they are ill/injured or in immediate danger. Handling by humans can distress the parents. If needed, follow proper handling technique given by rehabbers.
When do baby robins leave the nest?
Robin fledglings leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching. But they cannot fly well at this point. Parents continue caring for them as they learn to fly and become independent over the next 2 weeks on the ground.
Do birds abandon their babies if humans touch them?
This is a myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell and cannot detect human scent. They recognize their babies by sight and sound. Handling babies is still stressful and should be avoided when possible.
In summary
Finding a helpless baby bird can incite worry that it has been abandoned. But in most cases, the parents are nearby and will continue to care for it. Avoid interfering whenever possible. Keep monitoring from a distance. Only if the baby is injured or no parents return for an extended time is rehabilitation required. With some makeshift nesting and warmth, you can temporarily safeguard the chick. But always contact wildlife experts promptly so orphaned birds can get proper feeding and care for their best chance at survival and return to the wild. Be prepared to work hard if you want to eventually volunteer assisting wildlife rehabilitators. With quick action and care, we can help make sure mama bird does come back for her babies.
