Found a Baby Bird on the Ground? Here’s What to Do

Every spring and early summer, this happens across Ontario: People begin noticing baby birds on the ground. Some are tiny and featherless while others are hopping around awkwardly, flapping their wings, and seeming… stranded.

The first instinct is usually the same:

“Do I need to help?”

The answer depends on the type of baby bird you’re seeing and in many cases, what looks alarming is actually a completely normal part of growing up.

Golden-winged warbler fledgling. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

Not All Baby Birds Need Rescuing

Fledgling Black-capped chickadees. Photo by Kristen Martyn.

At this time of year, many young birds are leaving the nest for the first time. These birds are called fledglings.

They:

• Have feathers
• Can hop or flutter
• Spend time on the ground or low branches
• Are still being fed by their parents nearby

Even if you don’t immediately see the adults, they’re often watching and returning frequently with food.

This stage may look vulnerable to us but it’s an important and natural part of development.

Fledgling or Nestling?

Here’s the key difference:

A fledgling:

✔ Mostly feathered
✔ Hopping or moving around
✔ Eyes open
✔ Meant to be outside the nest

A nestling:

✔ Very few feathers
✔ Bare skin visible
✔ Unable to stand or hop
✔ Likely too young to be out of the nest

If you find a nestling on the ground and can safely return it to the nest, that’s often the best option.

And contrary to a common myth:

Parent birds will not reject a baby because it was touched by a human.

Eastern Kingbird nest. Photo by Shayna Hartley. 

The Best Thing You Can Do

In many cases, helping means giving birds space.

If the bird is a healthy fledgling:

• Keep pets indoors or away from the area
• Watch from a distance
• Allow the parents to continue caring for it

Fledglings may spend several days on the ground while learning to fly.

When a Bird May Need Help

A baby bird may need assistance if:

• It is injured
• It was caught by a cat
• It cannot stand or move properly
• It has no feathers and the nest cannot be located
• The parents have clearly not returned for many hours

In these situations, contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the best next step.flick

Early June is one of the busiest times of year for birds. Parents are constantly searching for food, fledglings are learning how to survive, and nests are active almost everywhere you look.

A few simple ways to help:

• Keep feeders clean and stocked
• Provide fresh water
• Avoid pesticides during nesting season
• Keep cats indoors
• Observe nests and fledglings from a respectful distance

Even small actions can make a meaningful difference during this critical time of year.

Happy birdwatching,

Heather