Found a Baby Bird?
Here is what to do if you find a baby bird.
Fledgling American Robin
The best thing to do if you find a baby bird is to leave it alone. If the bird appears as though it has fallen from a nest, an attempt to locate the nest can be made, and the bird can be carefully returned. If the bird has feathers, it may be a fledged bird and a parent bird is probably close by. As long as the bird is in no danger from cats or other predators, it is best to watch the bird from a distance to see if a parent returns after an hour or so before determining that the bird needs human help.
Birds do not have a true sense of smell, so the myth that birds will reject a baby bird if touched by a human is not true. A baby bird that has been touched by a human, however, does make it easier for a predator (cat, raccoon, etc.) to find.
If a nest cannot be located or the bird is “rescued,” the first important step is to call a rehabilitator to care for the bird. Second, provide warmth to the baby bird. A hot water bottle or low heating pad or even hot water in a glass bottle will do.
How you can help an injured bird?
Use the following resources to help you understand your next steps:
- Toronto Wildlife Centre - I Found a Fledgling Songbird
- Toronto Wildlife Centre - How to For Sick or Injured Birds
Taking care of injured birds and wildlife should be left to people who know how to do it best. Additional resources for finding a wildlife rehabilitator by Canadian province: