Wild birds will often hide signs of illness and injury when people and predators are present. This can make it difficult to determine if a bird is in need of help.
If you are unsure about a bird, take pictures or videos and contact your local wildlife rescue for advice.
When to Rescue
- You can see obvious wounds or bleeding. Take the bird to your closest vet for Wildlife First Aid.
- If a bird has been caught by a dog or cat. Due to the small size of birds, the bacteria in the saliva of cats and dogs presents an increased risk of an infection developing. They always need to be taken to a vet or wildlife rescue centre for treatment, even if you can’t see any obvious puncture marks.
- The bird doesn’t move when you approach them - it’s normal for healthy adult birds to rest on the ground, but they should still try to walk or fly away if approached.
- The bird’s feathers look fluffed up, but remember they will also do this during cold weather to keep warm.
- The bird can’t hold their head up straight or keep their balance properly, or their head and neck looks twisted.
- There is swelling or crusty growths on the skin, usually seen on the face, legs or feet.
- The bird is panting or breathing fast, and you’ve seen them doing this for at least two hours. Panting is a normal way for birds to cool down if they’re too hot, but it can also be a sign of disease.
If you need to handle a bird for rescue, please keep in mind that birds have delicate and hollow bones. Improper handling can cause further injuries.
Birds are usually most comfortable with their wings held against their bodies and feet supported. The size of the bird will affect how it should be handled:
Small Birds
Can be firmly held in one hand, positioning the hand over the bird so that its head is between your fore and middle fingers, letting the rest of your fingers naturally wrap around the wings.
Medium Birds
Use two hands, each covering a wing. Place your palms over the wings and use your fingers to gently support the legs and hold them in place.
Large birds such as Birds of Prey
It is best to call an expert rescuer as larger birds are capable of inflicting some damage to anyone trying to handle them.
Once you have picked up the bird, place it in a well-ventilated box on top of a small towel for comfort. Do not provide food or water. Then take the bird to your closest vet or wildlife rescue centre for care.
A bird has flown into your window
If a bird has flown into a window, and appears stunned rather than injured, monitor it quietly for two hours. If possible place the bird in a well-ventilated box. If the bird appears to have recovered within two hours, open the box to see if the bird will fly away. If the bird still seems stunned and unable to fly after two hours, please contact your closest vet or wildlife rescue centre.
