Found a Fledgling Bird? Here's How to Help (Or Not Help)

If you're seeing a seemingly young bird on the ground, you may be inclined to rush in to help. Slow down :) This may well be a fledgling bird, learning the art of flying. Before hurrying to its aid, observe from a distance instead. There's a good chance you will find that this little tweeter just needed a quick rest before setting out on another test flight.

What is The Fledgling Stage?

At the fledgling stage, an up and coming youngster will start venturing out of the nest and discover the world around him. He won't yet have reached full adult plumage, and will need a bit more practice before becoming the stealthy bomber he is destined to become. There will be much hopping and fluttering before this little bird will soar.

What is a Bird Fledgling?

A fledgling is a young bird almost ready to leave the nest for good and fend for itself - sporting its first set of feathers, getting the hang of gripping a branch, and capable of moving about on its own. Mum and dad will likely be close by to supervise and lend a helping hand (wing?) if warranted. By this time, our little birdie is 2-3 weeks old (depending on species) and ready to learn the skills needed for survival on its own. 

Normal Fledgling Behavior

Fledglings will attempt short flights and practice graceful landings as their flight muscles develop. This may look clumsy at first and even end in the occasional unscheduled emergency landing. At this point one also gets to where one needs to go by hopping and walking. Part of the life skill lessons taught by its parents now is finding and identifying food. What a fledgling bird eats or what you could possibly feed a fledgling bird includes small insects and larvae, worms, and all sorts of seeds and berries. Also important to learn is how to recognize and evade predators. Those will consist of a number of birds of prey, feral cats, and our domesticated friends as well.

What Does a Fledgling Bird Look Like?

Here's what you need to know about Fledgling Identification: Fledglings have a set of soft and and still somewhat fluffy feathers and won't show any bald spots. However, they also don't yet quite look like adult birds. Their plumage is often spotted to provide better camouflage on or near the ground.

Assessing the Situation: Signs of Injury or Illness When There’s a Fledgling Bird on the Ground

Again, before you rush to any conclusions, know this: Many young birds (songbirds, especially) are very delicate little creatures and highly susceptable to stress. The mere act of picking up and handling a vulnerable young bird could kill it. However, if you observe actual injuries that wee one may indeed be in need of a helping hand. Let's look at those scenarios in more detail:

Visible Wounds or Bleeding

This is pretty self explanatory. If you should see open wounds or blood, your little charge is in trouble. Clean the cuts or wounds gently with a solution of warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) or sodium chloride/saline. Be careful no to remove any clots of blood as this can start the bleeding again. Then, try to locate the nest and put the bird either in the nest or on the ground nearby. Its parently will likely come and tend to it further.

Swollen or Puffy Eyes

Swelling around the eyes often points to some sort of sinus infection and may be accompanied by laboured breathing. Aside from applying a topical antibiiotic cream (such as Polysporin) there isn't much you can do. Again, please try and locate the nest, place the bird in it or near it and let mum and dad look after their offspring.

Drooping Wings

Drooping wings most often signals weakness or stress. If you must, move the bird to the nest. If, after some observation, the bird's parents are MIA, you could give some sugar water (similar to humming bird food) in a syringe. Caution: If this condition is stress related, your handling the bird will only add to that and possibly make things worse.

Lethargy and Lack of Movement

If he seems listless and limp, it is likely that our little fledgling has worn himself out with all that flying practice and learning 'life' stuff. He may just be in need of a little rest. His parents are very probably nearby and watching closely. Stand back and just observe. If no parents are in sight and the little one hasn't perked up after a couple of hours, try and return him to or near his nest. 

Inability to Fly or Hop When Approached

Most fledglings aren't yet great at flying - that's why they are fledglings. And, this little one you've encountered may be scared out of his wits - by you :) Same as above.. please stay back and see if parents will appear and take charge. If not, return the bird to the nest or on the ground nearby.

Constant Chirping

Baby birds are vocal little critters and a bird fledgling is no different. Continuous chirping is most likely baby's attempt at getting mum's attention 'cause it's supper time - rather than a distress call. If he is calling for his mum or dad, definitely stay out of the way and let them come to his aid.

Hawkeye Knows Baby Bird Care, Bird Control & More

Regardless of bird species, the stages of development are similar across the board. We have raised our fair share of young birds - both for our Falconry Program and for release into the wild. Looking after an orphaned or injured bird takes a great deal of time and commitment. If at all possible, let the bird's parents take charge. They know what they are doing and won't stress the little one out.

And, if you need help with Bird Control around your home or business, contact Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control. Remember that disturbing active nests is prohibited for most bird species in Ontario and nearly all species require permits for any bird control methods to be deployed.