Help Baby Birds

I've Found a Baby Bird!

Step 1 - Is the Bird Sick or Injured?

Is the bird sick or injured?

Immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the baby:

  • has been picked up, played with or attacked by a cat (assume the bird is injured even if no other signs are evident)
  • is fully covered in feathers (not just down, or feather "shafts") but cannot stand up
  • is leaning/falling to one side or turning in circles
  • appears frequently sleepy, or is unresponsive
  • has wounds or blood is visible
  • has can't use or has trouble using any of its legs or wings
  • has a patch of feathers that are missing or broken
  • has string, fishing line or other materials protruding from its mouth or wrapped around any part of its body
  • has a foreign substance (such as oil, grease, or glue) on its feathers
  • appears wet when its not raining
  • has discharge from its eyes, nose, or mouth
  • has any swellings or lesions on its body
  • is missing any part of its beak or limbs
  • is gasping, wheezing, or sneezing
  • shows signs of dehydration (e.g. its eyes appear dry and sunken, or the skin holds a wrinkled shape when lightly pinched)
  • is cold to the touch or is shivering
  • has any worms or bugs on its body or swarming around its body

If the baby bird shows none of these symptoms, continue to Step 2.