Baby Songbird
Baby Songbird
Songbirds like robins, finches, sparrow, swallows, and woodpeckers are all altricial birds. This means they hatch completely naked and with their eyes closed. In our area they are most often tree cavity or nest dwellers. They depend completely on their parents for protection, food, and warmth. As they develop they learn to fly and feed themselves.
Hatchling/Nestling
Fledgling
Transporting a Baby Bird
Hatchling/Nestling
A newborn bird is called a hatchling. It is mostly or entirely naked, and is totally helpless. Hatchlings stay in the nest and cannot walk or perch.Nestlings are older than hatchlings, but are still in the nest and can’t walk well or perch. They are starting to get feathers and their eyes are open.
The best help you can give a hatchling/nestling is to return them to their parents. If the location of the nest is known, immediately return them to their nest. Most often the bird has fallen from a nearby tree or bush due to wind, overcrowding, or other natural disturbances. Scan nearby branches and try and locate the nest. Be sure and also check tree cavities as many of our woodpeckers nest in cavities. If you locate a nest be sure and check that your hatchling/nestling matches the others in the nest. Remember, touching or handling a baby bird will NOT discourage the parents from feeding or taking care it. A birds sense of smell is no better than our own.
If the whole nest is on the ground:
If the nest is intact gather the babies and place them back in the nest. Try and locate the tree where it might have fallen from and place it or wire it securely in the tree. From a distance observe the nest for at least two hours to be sure the parents are returning to the nest. If the parents return the babies will be fine.
If the nest is not intact or can't be found:
Gather the remains of the nest and place it in an appropriately sized plastic container or wicker basket. Be sure that the container has several holes for water drainage. If the nest can't be located fill a plastic container with dry plant material. Wicker baskets do not need additional bedding material. Plastic mesh strawberry or raspberry containers work really well.
Secure the makeshift nest into a tree near where the babies were found.
From a distance observe the nest for at least two hours to be sure the parents are returning to the nest. If the parents return the babies will be fine.
If the parents do not return after at least two hours or if the hatchling/nestling is cold and listless please contact the Wildlife In Need Center at (262) 965-3090 or your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Fledgling
Fledglings have feathers and are hopping, perching, and trying to fly. They are beginning to eat on their own. These birds no longer need to stay in their nest.When songbirds reach the fledgling stage they no longer need to stay in their nests. Often they are out and about beginning to practice their flying skills and beginning to feed on their own. Please do not assume that these birds are orphaned! Stop and take a few moments to observe the situation.
Most fledglings resemble their parents except for the few remaining downy feathers and often shorter tails. Most are able to fly only short distances or make hops to low branches in near by shrubs or trees. Because they are just learning to fly their coordination and maneuverability is often impaired. Crash landings are a common occurrence. However, this does leave them vulnerable to attack by domestic cats and dogs and thus, they must be protected. If the fledgling has come in contact with either a cat or dog please bring it to the Wildlife In Need Center or your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator for a medical examination. Domestic dog and particularly cat saliva contains bacteria that can be lethal to baby birds.
If you suspect that a fledgling is orphaned please monitor the bird consistently for two hours from a distance. Every year the Wildlife In Need Center receives many "kidnapped" fledglings. The best place for a fledgling is with its parents despite the other dangers they may face.
Please contact the Wildlife in Need Center at (262) 965-3090 if the bird has been attacked by a wild or domestic animal.
Transporting a Baby Bird
Capture:Find a towel, blanket, or light weight material that will completely cover the baby bird. Also, find a well ventilated box or plastic pet carrier. Line it with an absorbent material like newspaper, paper towel, or a sheet. Please do not use towels or material with holes as the baby bird can get caught in it and further injure itself.
Approach the baby bird from behind and completely cover it with the material. Remember if the baby bird is alert it will struggle.
Gently restrain the baby bird under the material and hold its wings against its body.
Place the baby bird in your well ventilated cardboard box or plastic pet carrier.
Care:
Please DO NOT FEED or OFFER WATER to the baby bird even if it opens its beak and begs for food as it can aspirate or choke on what is offered. Baby birds require very specific food that needs to be fed using the correct technique. If the bird is too cold, stressed, or injured feeding it can jeopardize its survival or even cause death.
Handle the baby bird as little as possible. Refrain from petting or holding the baby bird as it is extremely stressful and can contribute to the baby bird going into shock. Keep the baby bird in a dark, quiet, calm, and warm place to reduce stress until the baby bird can be brought to a licensed rehabilitation facility.
Transportation:
Place the covered and secured box on the floor or seat of your car. Keep the car quiet (no radio and quiet voices) and warm to reduce stress.
Do NOT let a child or other individual hold the baby bird in transport. It is a safety risk for the person, as well as extremely stressful for the baby bird. Please think first about the well being of the baby bird in your care.
Remember your safety is the most important factor. Do not unnecessarily put yourself or others at risk for injury while attempting to rescue or capture an animal. When in doubt call the Wildlife In Need Center (262) 965-3090.