Every spring, people come across baby birds in their backyards, parks, or sidewalks and wonder if they should intervene. Seeing a small, seemingly helpless chick can be concerning, especially if it’s in a dangerous place like a road or near predators. However, it’s essential to know when to help and when to leave the bird alone.
This guide explains how to determine if a baby bird needs assistance, the risks of handling them, and what to do if you find a bird’s nest in your home.
How to Know If a Baby Bird Needs Help
Not all baby birds that are found alone need rescuing. Many are fledglings—young birds that have left the nest but are still learning to fly. Their parents are often nearby, watching over them and feeding them.
Key Questions to Ask Before Helping a Baby Bird:
Are the parents around? – If you wait and observe, you may see adult birds returning to care for their chick.
Are there visible injuries? – If the bird has a wound or is unresponsive, it may need help.
Is there an immediate danger? – If the baby bird is in the middle of a road, a sports field, or near a predator (like a cat), it might be safer to move it to a nearby secure location.
If the baby bird appears injured, weak, or abandoned, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
Can You Touch a Baby Bird? Will Its Mother Reject It?
One common myth is that touching a baby bird will make its mother reject it because of the human scent. This is not true.
Most birds have a poor sense of smell and do not rely on scent to identify their chicks.
Parental instincts are strong—adult birds will continue to care for their babies even if a human has touched them.
However, you should not handle baby birds unless absolutely necessary, as unnecessary handling can stress them.
Risks of Handling a Baby Bird
While touching a baby bird will not make its parents abandon it, moving a chick can put it at risk if done incorrectly.
Key Risks:
Separating it from its parents – Moving a chick too far can make it difficult for parents to find it again.
Causing stress to the baby bird – Handling wild animals can be frightening for them.
Unintentionally exposing it to predators – If a bird is moved to an exposed area, it may be more vulnerable.
When to Handle a Baby Bird:
If it is in immediate danger (e.g., in the middle of the road).
If it is injured and needs professional care.
If it is a nestling (featherless baby) that has fallen from its nest—it can be gently placed back in its nest.
What to Do If You Find a Bird’s Nest at Home
If you find a nest with eggs or baby birds in your yard, avoid disturbing it. Birds are most likely to abandon their nest in the early stages, especially before eggs hatch.
When Will Birds Abandon Their Nest?
Before eggs are laid – If a nest is frequently disturbed, birds may leave and build a new one elsewhere.
After eggs hatch – Birds become more protective and are less likely to abandon their young.
Once chicks are old enough – Parents will leave their young once they are ready to fend for themselves.
If a nest is in an inconvenient spot (e.g., near a doorway), wait until the birds have left before removing it.
Finding a baby bird can be concerning, but not all birds need help. Fledglings are often just learning to fly, and their parents are usually nearby.
If the bird is injured or in immediate danger, you can safely move it to a nearby safer place or contact a wildlife expert. Remember, birds won’t reject their babies if touched, but handling them should be kept to a minimum to avoid stress.
Next time you see a baby bird, take a moment to observe before stepping in—you may be witnessing a normal part of its journey to adulthood!
FAQ’s
Should I help a baby bird if I find one?
Not all baby birds need help. If it is a fledgling (covered in feathers and hopping around), its parents are likely nearby. If it is injured or in immediate danger, it may need assistance.
Will touching a baby bird make its mother reject it?
No, birds do not use smell to recognize their babies. Most birds have a poor sense of smell and will continue caring for their chick even if a human has touched it.
How can I tell if a baby bird is abandoned?
Watch from a distance for 10-15 minutes to see if the parents return. If they don’t, or if the bird appears weak, injured, or unresponsive, contact a wildlife rescue center.
What should I do if I find a baby bird in danger?
If the bird is in a dangerous place (like a road), gently move it to a safer location nearby. If it is injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Can I put a baby bird back in its nest?
Yes, if you find a nestling (a baby bird without feathers) that has fallen out, you can gently place it back in its nest. Its parents will not reject it.
Will birds abandon their nest if disturbed?
Birds are most likely to abandon a nest if disturbed before the eggs hatch. Once the chicks have hatched, parents are usually committed to raising them.
