Passerine Birds
Robin, Bluebird, Cardinal, Wren, Finch, etc.
Robin, Bluebird, Cardinal, Wren, Finch, etc.
-not able to fly
-not able to walk
-does not fly when approached
-is not able to fly even when they try to
-extremely fluffed up feathers
-missing lots of feathers
-issues with the eyes (crusty, swollen, bleeding, always closed)
-obvious blood or wounds
-attack wounds
-injured legs or wings (wing droops or leg dangles)
-other general signs of injury and illness
If a bird looks like it has been attacked by a cat, dog, or other animal, looks injured near a road, or shows any of the signs of injury and illness, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Signs That a Passerine Bird is Orphaned:
If a fledgling (baby bird that has feathers and can hop) out of the nest is alert, fully feathered, and moving around, assess the bird for any signs of injury or abnormal bird behavior. If the young bird is healthy and the parents are no longer with the bird, the young bird should be able to survive on its own. If the bird shows signs of injury or illness or becomes weak, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
If a nestling (newly hatched baby bird with no feathers) is out of their nest, look for the nest nearby. If you see the nestling’s nest and the bird shows no sign of injury or illness, CAREFULLY return the bird to the nest. You can even return the bird to a man-made nest right next to the original nest! Check to make sure the parents return to the nest over the next few hours, but keep your distance. If a nestling has no nest and/or the parents do not return to the bird after a few hours, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
ALL UNFEATHERED BIRDS NEED HELP: either they are nestlings that need to be returned to the nest for the care of their parents or they need the support of a wildlife rehabilitator.