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Finding Baby Birds

If you find a baby bird on the ground, learn how to tell if it needs rescuing.

Depending on its age and condition, it may be best to leave the bird where it is, or return it to its nest. A healthy baby bird should be alert and active.

How to identify hatchlings or nestling

If a bird has little or no feathers. They are likely hatchlings or nestlings that belong in a nest. Their best chance of survival is usually to remain where they are, so their parents can continue to care for them.

  • If you can reach the nest safely, place the bird back inside.
  • If the nest is not reachable, you can make a temporary nest.

How to Make a Replacement Nest

  1. Find a small basket or use a plastic container such as a margarine tub and punch holes through the bottom. Sides should be no higher than 4 inches. 
  2. Cut two pieces of wire to 18-inch lengths and thread them up through the bottom of the container and down again. 
  3. Line the container with dry grass. Place the bird inside the basket.
  4. Securely wire it to the top of a branch in the same tree or shrub
  5. If you are unable to secure the nest in the tree, place the replacement nest in a sheltered location above the ground as close as possible to where the bird is found.

If a parent does not return after several hours to claim the baby bird, reach out to a local, licensed rehabilitator.

How to Identify Fledgelings

If the bird can hop and is alert and active, it's likely a fledgling. Fledgling birds are two weeks old and ready to explore the world. Their feathers and tails are about half an inch long. You'll probably see them hopping around on the ground since it takes a few days to learn to fly. It takes them about two weeks to learn how to eat on their own or call their parents to be fed.

Leave fledglings alone. We get a lot of calls about “injured” birds that can't fly, but they're usually just fledglings. If it looks healthy, active, and doesn't have an injury, it's a fledgling.

Learn more from the Mass Audubon to learn whether a baby bird needs help: Baby Birds Out of the Nest 

If a bird appears sick, or injured, don't give the bird food or water. Just keep it quiet and safe until you can get help. If the baby bird is cold, not moving, or bloody, it needs help. You reach out to a local, licensed rehabilitator or contact your local animal control officer for assistance.

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