What to do if you find an injured or orphaned songbird
About Songbirds
Songbirds are a diverse group of birds that are known for their melodious vocalizations. These birds belong to the order Passeriformes, which is the largest order of birds, comprising over half of all bird species. Songbirds are found all over the world and are known for their beautiful songs, which they use for communication, territorial defense, and courtship.
The singing ability of songbirds is due to their specialized vocal apparatus, which includes a syrinx, a unique organ found only in birds. This organ allows them to produce a wide range of sounds, including complex melodies and trills. Almost all birds use a syrinx to produce sound, but songbirds have greater control of theirs.
Songbirds also differ from other perching birds in that they learn their songs from adult tutors, rather than relying solely on instinct. Research shows that young songbirds begin listening to and learning from their parents and other adults as nestlings. This ability to learn has allowed songbirds to produce a wide range of complex songs.
Encountering Songbirds
If you encounter a songbird in the wild, try to observe the bird from a safe distance so as not to frighten or disturb it. Use binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens to get a closer look. Do not attempt to feed songbirds either as feeding wild birds can be harmful to their health and may also disrupt their natural feeding habits.
Additionally, If you have pets with you, make sure to keep them away from the bird. Even if they do not intend to harm the bird, their presence may scare it away or cause unnecessary stress.
Songbirds in trouble
If you find an injured songbird, here are some things you should do:
To safely pick up an injured bird, approach it slowly and quietly from behind. Then, with swift and precise movements, place your hand around the bird's shoulders and hold its wings folded against its body.
When handling the bird, do so with extreme care. Wear gloves and use a soft cloth to pick up the bird. Be gentle and avoid squeezing or putting pressure on the bird, and do not hold the bird any longer than you need to.
Keep the bird warm in a dark, quiet place, such as a box or a carrier. Do not attempt to feed the bird or give it water.
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for advice and assistance. They will be able to provide you with guidance on what to do next and may be able to take the bird in for rehabilitation.
If you think you’ve found an orphaned baby songbird, it is important to first determine whether the baby bird is a nestling or a fledgling. Nestlings don’t have feathers and have pink, delicate skin. Fledglings are young birds that can’t fly well yet but have outgrown the nest.
If you come across a fledgling bird that appears lost and unable to fly, it is best to leave it alone. While it may seem like it needs help, its parents are likely nearby and will continue to care for it. Removing the bird from its surroundings could harm its development.
If you find a nestling bird on the ground and can locate the nest, it is best to place it back where it belongs. If the nest is missing, you can create a makeshift nest out of a small plastic container. Cut holes for drainage and line it with clean towels or paper cloth.
Place the container in the nearest tree and monitor it for signs of the mother's return. Contrary to popular belief, the mother will not abandon her baby if it has been touched by humans. However, if the mother doesn’t come back within an hour or so, move the bird to a shoebox lined with clean towels and contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
More info on songbirds
“How to Help an Injured Wild Bird,” Best Friends
“What to Do When Encountering a Wild Baby Bird,” Pet Place
“What Is a Songbird, Exactly?,” National Audubon Society