How to Help an Injured or Orphaned Bird (the Right Way)

Finding an injured bird or a baby on the ground is distressing, and the instinct to help is good — but the right action is often counterintuitive. Here's what to do, and what to avoid.

First: is it actually a fledgling?

A feathered baby bird hopping on the ground is usually a fledgling — it has left the nest naturally and its parents are still feeding it nearby. This is a normal, vital stage. Unless it's in immediate danger, leave it alone; 'rescuing' a healthy fledgling can do real harm.

When a bird needs help

A nestling (naked or with few feathers) found out of the nest — if you can find the nest, gently place it back (the myth that parents reject touched babies is false).
Obvious injury — a drooping wing, bleeding, inability to stand or fly, or a bird caught by a cat.
A bird that struck a window and is stunned — it may just need quiet time to recover.

What to do for an injured bird

Gently place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Keep it in a warm, dark, quiet place away from pets, children, and noise.
Do NOT offer food or water unless instructed — it can cause harm, and many birds need specialized diets.
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible for guidance.

What not to do

Don't try to raise or treat a wild bird yourself — it requires expertise and is generally illegal without a permit (most native birds are protected by law). Don't give food or water, don't handle it more than necessary, and don't keep it as a pet. The kindest, most effective help is getting it to a professional.

Find a rehabilitator

Search online for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you, or call a local nature center, Audubon chapter, or animal control for a referral. Acting quickly and calmly gives the bird its best chance — and respecting that most fledglings need no help at all prevents unnecessary 'rescues.'

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I find a baby bird on the ground?+

If it's feathered and hopping, it's likely a fledgling whose parents are still caring for it — leave it alone unless it's in immediate danger. If it's a naked or barely feathered nestling, gently return it to its nest if you can find it (parents won't reject it for being touched). Contact a licensed rehabilitator if it's injured or truly orphaned.

How do I care for an injured wild bird?+

Place it in a ventilated box lined with soft cloth, keep it warm, dark, and quiet away from pets and noise, and do not offer food or water. Then contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator promptly — raising or treating most native birds yourself requires a permit and specialized care.