Help Baby Birds - I've Found a Baby Bird!

I've Found a Baby Bird!

Use this quick step-by-step guide to find out if the bird you've found needs help, and if so where to find assistance.
What Should I Do...?

Useful information on how to resolve some common situations involving altricial baby birds.
How Can I Help?

There are many ways that you can make a critical difference for baby birds. Please take action today!
In My Neighbourhood

A guide to the wonderful and varied baby birds you can find right in your own back yard!
About T.W.C.

Since 1993, Toronto Wildlife Centre has helped many thousands of wild animals in need. Find out more about the work we do.

HelpBabyBirds.ca

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.

I've Found a Baby Bird!