To care for an injured bird, gently place it in a quiet, safe space, keep it warm, and consult a wildlife rehabilitator for proper treatment.
Finding an injured bird can be distressing, but knowing how to respond can save its life. Whether it’s a stunned songbird or a fledgling with a broken wing, immediate action and proper care are crucial before transferring the bird to wildlife experts.
First Steps When You Find an Injured Bird
Assess the Situation Safely
Approach slowly to avoid causing additional stress. Look for obvious injuries like:
- Broken wings (drooping unevenly)
- Leg injuries (inability to perch)
- Head trauma (tilting, uneven pupils)
- Bleeding (check chest and under wings)
Prepare a Temporary Container
Use a cardboard box with:
- Air holes punched in the sides
- Soft lining (paper towels or cotton cloth)
- No perches (prevents further injury)
Proper Handling Techniques
Capturing the Bird
For small birds:
- Gently throw a light towel over the bird
- Cup both hands around its body
- Support the head and feet
For larger birds like hawks or owls:
- Use thick gloves and a heavier blanket
- Watch for talons and beaks
- Consider calling professionals if uncomfortable
Creating the Right Environment
Temperature Control
Shock is common in injured birds. Maintain warmth by:
| Bird Size | Heating Method |
|---|---|
| Small (sparrows, finches) | Heating pad on LOW under half the box |
| Medium (robins, pigeons) | Warm water bottle wrapped in cloth |
Stress Reduction
Keep the bird in:
- Complete darkness (cover the box)
- Quiet location away from pets
- Undisturbed except for checks every 30 minutes
Emergency Nutrition and Hydration
When to Offer Food
Only attempt feeding if:
- Professional help is more than 4 hours away
- The bird is alert and responsive
- You’ve identified the species
Species-Specific Diets
Common bird types and emergency foods:
- Seed eaters: Finely crushed sunflower seeds soaked in water
- Insectivores: Canned dog food (beef flavor) mixed with water
- Nectar feeders: 1:4 sugar water solution (boiled then cooled)
For proper bird identification, consider using quality binoculars if the bird is still in the wild.
When to Contact Wildlife Rehabilitators
Immediate Red Flags
Seek professional help immediately if:
- Visible broken bones
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop in 5 minutes
- Attacked by a cat (requires antibiotics)
- Labored breathing
Finding Local Resources
Contact:
- State wildlife agencies
- Local Audubon chapters
- Veterinary schools with wildlife programs
The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association maintains a directory of licensed professionals.
Transporting to Care Facilities
Safe Travel Practices
- Secure the box with seatbelt
- Keep car quiet (no radio)
- Maintain comfortable temperature
- Bring a list of observations about the injury
What Not to Do
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Giving bread or milk (harmful to birds)
- Keeping in wire cages (can damage feathers)
- Attempting long-term care without training
- Releasing prematurely without recovery confirmation
For monitoring recovering birds, long-range binoculars can help observe from a distance without disturbance.
Preventing Future Injuries
Bird-Friendly Home Modifications
- Apply window decals to prevent collisions
- Keep cats indoors (responsible for billions of bird deaths annually)
- Place bird feeders either very close to windows (under 3 feet) or over 30 feet away
According to the American Bird Conservancy, up to 1 billion birds die annually from window collisions in the U.S. alone.
