Found a Baby Bird? Here's What to Do

Vet-reviewed by Veterinary Reviewer, DVM · Last reviewed June 2026

Most baby birds found on the ground are fledglings — feathered youngsters learning to fly, with parents nearby — and should be left alone. Only step in if the bird is a featherless nestling that's fallen, is injured, or is in immediate danger (e.g. from a cat or road). When in doubt, call a wildlife rescue before moving it.

Fledgling or nestling? (this decides everything)

	Fledgling	Nestling
Feathers	Mostly feathered	Bald or downy
On the ground?	Normal — hopping, learning	Fallen too early
Action	Leave it (parents are near)	Return to the nest if you safely can

A fledgling on the ground is a normal, vital stage — the parents are usually watching and feeding it. Removing it does more harm than good.

When should you intervene?

Help only if the bird is clearly injured, is a featherless nestling out of the nest, or is in danger you can’t remove by simply keeping pets away. If you must move a bird from immediate danger, place it in a sheltered spot nearby. It’s a myth that parent birds reject young that have been touched — birds have a poor sense of smell — but minimise handling anyway.

Who to call

Contact a local wildlife rescue, the RSPCA (or your country’s equivalent), or a vet for advice before taking a wild bird in. You can find your nearest practice through the RCVS Find a Vet service. Don’t try to feed it — the wrong food can kill it.

Frequently asked questions

Will the parents reject a baby bird I've touched?

No — that's a myth; but handle as little as possible anyway.

Should I feed a baby bird?

No — wrong food and water can be fatal; get expert advice first.

A fledgling is on my lawn — do I rescue it?

Usually no — keep pets away and watch from a distance; the parents are likely feeding it.