I found a wild bird that can’t fly. What should I do?
If you find a bird that can’t fly there are a few things to consider. First, the species and age of the bird must be identified to assess if rescue is needed.
Young birds:
For fledgling species, young healthy birds spend a few weeks on the ground after leaving the nest. Once their flying feathers are fully grown they fly away. While on the ground, they are still being cared for by their parents.
Other species like swallows, swifts, woodpeckers or chickadees do not fledge and should never be found on the ground unable to fly.
As for ducks and geese , most species only begin flying after 7 weeks after hatching.
Adult birds:
Adult ducks and geese moult their primary feathers at once, making them flightless until they grow new feathers in.
All wild birds that are unable to fly and show obvious signs of injury or bleeding will require rescuing.
If you are unsure if the bird needs rescuing please email Le Nichoir at info@lenichoir.org with a photo of the bird, your name and phone number so we can assist you and provide more information.
When I approach a wild bird it does not fly away. Why?
An adult bird not flying away when approached may indicate it’s sick or injured. It can be a fledgling; meaning a young bird learning to fly. It could also be a sign of vulnerability or weakness due to various factors like a recent injury, illness, or being temporarily incapacitated after a window strike.
Any time you encounter a bird that doesn’t fly away, carefully observe it for signs of injury or illness. If it appears distressed or injured it is best to call Le Nichoir for more information 450-458-2809.
If you think the bird is young (fledgling) you should observe the bird from a distance for a couple of hours to see if it recovers or if adult birds are nearby. Remember that parents don’t stay with their babies, They just visit briefly to feed them and fly away to find more food.