By garden birds we mean the birds most commonly found in your garden such as Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starlings, Tits, Robins etc, including corvids such as Crows, Magpies and Jays, as well as Woodpigeons and Collared Doves.
Although often seen in the garden, the nesting habits of feral pigeons are different as they were originally coast/cliff nesting birds. See this post for advice if the baby is a feral pigeon.
What are the issues? #
Babies of the species discussed here leave the nest before they can fly so rescues receive very high numbers of calls about them every year. Most don’t need rescuing but there are important exceptions to this rule.
When to rescue #
Bird has been caught by a cat or dog
Any bird caught by a predator will need to be checked for injuries and given antibiotics. Bacteria on the cat’s teeth can cause fatal septicaemia if they get into the bloodstream.
Any bird with an obvious injury
Such as a dropped wing, leg injury or obvious wound. The bird will need specialist treatment and rehabilitation.
Both parents have been killed
If you know for sure that both parents are dead, the babies will need to be rescued. Some species will survive with one parent – contact a rescue for advice in this situation.
When to take other action #
A hatchling starling. Hatchlings are bald or have little feathering and will be unable to stand up.
A hatchling out of the nest
A baby this young will not survive long out of the nest. They will either be taken by a predator or die of cold as they need to be brooded by a parent to keep warm. If at all possible, the baby should be returned to the nest. If this is not possible, making a makeshift nest and placing it in the same tree/bush might also work but do keep a close eye on the situation to check if the parents return to the baby. If the baby feels cold to the touch, it would be best to warm them in your hands or on a warm hot water bottle before putting them back outside and watching from a safe distance (ideally indoors). If the parents do not return to the baby within about an hour, contact a rescue for further advice.
A nestling out of the nest
A nestling blackbird. Nestlings are mostly feathered but with very little tail and their posture is ‘squat’.
These babies should be returned to the nest if at all possible. If not, making a makeshift nest and placing it in the same tree/bush might also work but do keep a close eye on the situation to check if the parents return to the baby. If the parents do not return to the baby within about an hour, contact a rescue for further advice.
The nest has been destroyed
If the nest of some fledgling birds is destroyed the babies can likely be left alone, just keep an eye on them and move them up into a bush or tree if needed. If the babies are at hatchling or nestling stage making a makeshift nest and placing it in the same tree/bush might work but do keep a close eye on the situation to check if the parents return to the new nest. If the parents do not return to the baby within about an hour, contact a rescue for further advice.
A fledgling blackbird. Fledglings will be fully feathered and have some tail, though perhaps not full length. Their wing feathers will reach to their tail.
A fledgling in danger from a cat, cars or any other threat
Hatchlings and nestlings should be returned to the nest as detailed above. Rescues get many calls each year about fledglings who the caller is worried may be caught by a cat. It isn’t practical, legal or ethical to take in young birds just in case they get harmed. In this situation, keep cats indoors (and ask your neighbours to do the same) and place the baby somewhere safe such as a bush or low tree branch. Leaving the nest before they can fly is normal and they should have mastered flying within a few days. There’s more on this here.
When to leave alone #
A fledgling bird which is not injured and not in immediate danger
As mentioned above, leaving the nest before they can fly is normal for these species and they should have mastered flying within a few days. Just keep pets indoors as much as possible and let the baby get used to using their wings. There’s more on this here.
Next Steps #
Once you’ve established that an animal needs help you’ll ideally get them contained and get them to a wildlife rescue. You’ll find detailed advice on catching them, keeping them safe, and getting help from a wildlife rescue at https://helpwildlife.co.uk/advice/practical-advice-for-finders/
If you are unsure whether to intervene or you have difficulty finding a rescue who can help, you can contact us via helpwildlife.co.uk/helpdesk and our volunteers will give you advice and support.
