JSPCA BABY BIRDS AND FLEDGLINGS FACT SHEET

Many people who find what they believe to be an abandoned young bird contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter every spring and summer. 

In most cases these young birds have not been abandoned and “rescuing” them may actually do more harm than good in the long term, reducing these young birds’ chances of survival.  The mother is usually close by and looking out for the youngsters.  

Hatchlings, nestlings and fledglings

In the spring and summer many baby birds are found on the ground.  They may have fallen from the nest, but the majority are fledglings, which have actually intentionally left the nest. 

Baby birds can be categorised according to the different stages of growth and are either described as hatchlings, nestlings or fledglings.

• Hatchlings and nestlings:

Very young birds are called “hatchlings”.  Their eyes are closed and they may be completely naked or have some sparse down, but no actual feathers.  They then become “nestlings” as they grow older.  Nestlings have eyes that are partially open (usually in slits) and their bodies are covered with down, small quills, or perhaps some feathers.  If a hatchling or nestling is found on the ground, it probably fell out of the nest by accident and will need immediate help.  Please place the young bird in a small box lined with tissue, newspaper or a small towel.  Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place and immediately contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter. 

• Fledglings:

Nestlings grow up to become fledglings.  Fledglings have short, stumpy tails and are fully feathered, but they cannot yet fly.  If you find a young bird that is out of its nest, it is probably a fledgling.  Fledglings of garden birds usually leave the nest about two weeks after hatching, which is just before they are able to fly.  They will have grown all or most of their feathers and are very mobile and can walk, run and hop on to low branches.  The fledgling’s parents, who are rarely far away, feed the youngsters and encourage them to stay under cover.  Often one parent will look after the fledgling, while the other parent makes a nest for a second or even third brood of young.

If a fledgling is found on the ground, do not be tempted to pick it up.

Fledglings go through a stage, when they are learning to fly, where they may jump or fall out of the nest and live on the ground for several days.  They are vulnerable to certain dangers at this time, especially from cats and dogs, but it is natural for fledglings to be on the ground during this period when they are developing their flying and feeding skills.  Normally their parents are around, feeding them, showing them where to look for food, hiding them under bushes, and fiercely protecting them if they are threatened. 

The best action to take if a fledgling bird is found on the ground is:

• To keep dogs, cats and children away from the area for a few days.

• If there is a concern about predators, gently move the fledgling under cover, close  by, so that the parents can easily find it.

• If you have already picked up the bird, put it back where you found it or place it under a nearby bush, so that the parents can find it again. The parents are often nearby.

• Young birds that are in immediate danger from a predator or traffic should be placed out of harm a short distance away. 

• To satisfy yourself that the bird is safe and that the natural parents have found the fledgling and can take care of it, go away from the site and return to it in an hour, so that you can check all is well.  Alternatively, quietly observe the youngster, but stay a far enough distance away from the fledgling so that the parents are not afraid to come near. 

• If a young bird or fledgling is clearly sick or injured, or you think it has been genuinely abandoned or orphaned, then put it in a dark, warm box and take it to your nearest veterinary surgeon or the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter for treatment, care and rehabilitation.

Remember, no matter how hard we try, we cannot look after a young bird, or even a young animal, as well as its parents.  If you find a fledgling on its own and you really want to help, leave it alone.  Go back to the same area later if you are worried, or wait and watch the fledgling very quietly out of sight, so that you can ensure that the parents have found the fledgling and are looking after it.

Fledglings should only ever be removed from the area it has been found in if you are sure that it has been abandoned or if it is clearly injured.  Expert advice should  then be sought immediately; it is very easy to unintentionally imprint a young bird onto humans, therefore meaning that it would not be suitable to return to the wild and there is no quicker way of doing this than by hand feeding.

Contact the JSPCA if you find an injured baby bird or fledgling, or if you require further information about baby birds and fledglings.

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

 

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

 

References and further reading: