Emergency Care for Birds

If you find a young bird that is completely or mostly bald, it is too young to be out of the nest. If the bird is feathered scroll down to the Fledglings section.

If the baby bird’s nest is possible to reach, put the baby back in the nest. Contrary to popular belief, the parents will not reject the baby because you’ve touched it.

If the whole nest has fallen but is still intact, you can put the nest back where it was. As long as the nest is within a couple feet of its original location the parents should return to it. If the nest does not seem stable enough, you can use some string or rope to secure the nest, but do not leave any extra string dandling (the birds can get tangled). If you want to watch the nest to see if the parents return, watch the nest constantly for at least one hour from as far away as possible (ideally 30 feet) to allow the parents to safely reconnect with the baby. The parents will show up for just a few seconds, feed it and take off until the next feeding. If you do not see any parents return, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

If the whole nest has fallen and is no longer intact, you can replace the original nest with an artificial nest. Make an artificial nest from a plastic berry box or other small plastic container with holes for drainage. If material from the original nest is available, place it in the berry box. If more nesting material is needed use facial tissue. Do not use cloth, shredded paper, cotton or grass as these may result in injury. The legs of the baby are not strong enough to support it, so rest the baby bird in a semi-upright position so that the edges provide support for the body and head. Do not let the bird sprawl on the bottom of the nest. You can use string or rope to secure the berry box to the limb of a tree or deep bush (a hidden location). Use only enough rope as necessary, do not leave any extra string dangling. You should make sure the parents birds find the nest. Watch the nest constantly for at least an hour from as far away as possible (ideally over 30 feet). The parents will show up for just a few seconds, feed the baby and take off until the next feeding. If you do not see this happening, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

If you find a baby bird and cannot locate its nest, the bird must be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not try to take care of the bird yourself. Baby birds need to be fed every half hour, require a specific diet, and can choke easily. While contacting the wildlife rehabilitator, keep the baby bird warm. Young birds are vulnerable to chill and pneumonia. When you hold the baby bird in your hand, it should feel warmer than your hand. Warmth can be provided with a hot water bottle or heating pad turned on to low. Snuggle the bird in facial tissue directly against the source of warmth, but be sure it is not too hot.