What Bird Is It And What Can I Feed It? Help For Found Birds

Hey guys! Finding a little bird outside your house, especially next to a dead one, can be a bit concerning. You're probably wondering what kind of bird it is and, more importantly, what you can feed it to help it out. Don't worry, I'm here to help you figure this out! Let's dive into identifying the bird and figuring out the best way to care for it.

Identifying the Mystery Bird

First things first, let's try to figure out what kind of bird you've found. This will help us determine its specific dietary needs. To identify the bird, consider these key features: size, color, beak shape, and any unique markings. Is it tiny like a sparrow, or larger like a pigeon? What are the dominant colors of its feathers? Is the beak long and thin, or short and stout? Noticing these details will give us crucial clues.

If possible, try to take a clear photo of the bird. You can then use online resources like the Audubon Bird Guide or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds website to compare your photo with different species. These websites have extensive databases of bird species, complete with pictures, descriptions, and even audio recordings of their calls. You can also use bird identification apps like Merlin Bird ID, which can help you identify birds based on photos or descriptions.

Another way to identify the bird is by observing its behavior. Is it hopping around, or does it seem unable to move properly? Is it chirping loudly, or is it quiet and withdrawn? Does it look like a baby bird (a fledgling) with fluffy feathers and a short tail, or does it seem like a more mature bird? These behavioral clues can provide additional hints about its species and condition. If the bird seems injured or unable to fly, it might need some extra care and attention.

If you're still stumped after checking online resources and observing the bird, you can try reaching out to local birdwatching groups or wildlife rehabilitation centers. These experts can often identify a bird from a description or photo and offer valuable advice on how to care for it. They might even be able to take the bird in if it needs professional medical attention. Remember, correctly identifying the bird is the first step in ensuring it gets the right kind of food and care.

What to Feed a Found Bird

Once you've got a better idea of the bird species, you'll need to figure out what to feed it. Feeding a bird the wrong food can be harmful, so it's crucial to get this right. Generally, baby birds have different dietary needs than adult birds, so knowing the bird's age is important. If it's a fledgling (a young bird that has recently left the nest), it will likely need a higher protein diet to support its growth. Adult birds have more varied diets depending on their species.

Baby birds typically eat insects, worms, and other protein-rich foods. If you're caring for a baby bird, you can try feeding it commercially available bird formula, which you can find at pet stores. Mix the formula with water according to the instructions and use a syringe or eyedropper to feed the bird small amounts every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours. It's a lot of work, but it's essential to keep the little one nourished.

Adult birds have more diverse diets. Seed-eating birds like sparrows and finches enjoy birdseed mixes containing sunflower seeds, millet, and other small seeds. Insect-eating birds, such as robins and swallows, need a diet rich in insects and worms. You can offer them mealworms, which you can buy at pet stores, or try leaving out some fruit or berries to attract insects. Fruit-eating birds, like mockingbirds and waxwings, love berries, fruits, and nectar.

No matter what type of bird you're feeding, always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish. Birds need water to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather. You can also offer a shallow dish of water for bathing, which helps them keep their feathers clean and healthy. Avoid giving birds milk or bread, as these foods are not nutritious for them and can even cause digestive problems.

If you're unsure about what to feed the bird, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. They can provide specific advice based on the bird's species and condition. Remember, the goal is to provide the bird with the nutrients it needs to thrive, so doing your research and seeking expert advice is key.

Creating a Safe Environment

Besides food and water, creating a safe and comfortable environment for the bird is crucial. If you've found a bird that seems weak or injured, it's best to keep it in a quiet, enclosed space where it can rest and recover. A cardboard box lined with soft towels or paper towels works well. Make sure the box has air holes and is placed in a warm, draft-free area. Avoid keeping the bird in a cage, as it might injure itself trying to escape.

Handling the bird as little as possible is important to minimize stress. Birds are easily stressed, and excessive handling can weaken them further. When you need to handle the bird, do so gently and quickly. Wear gloves if possible to protect yourself from any potential diseases or parasites. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a bird.

If the bird is a fledgling, you might be tempted to put it back in its nest. However, if you can't find the nest or if the bird is injured, it's best to keep it in a safe place and seek professional help. Sometimes, fledglings are learning to fly and might be on the ground for a short time, but if they seem vulnerable or injured, intervention is necessary. Adult birds might also need a safe space to recover from injuries or illness.

Keep the environment clean to prevent the spread of disease. Change the lining of the box regularly and provide fresh food and water daily. Observe the bird closely for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, or discharge from the eyes or nostrils. If you notice any of these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately. Providing a safe and clean environment will give the bird the best chance of recovery.

When to Seek Professional Help

While you can provide basic care for a found bird, there are times when seeking professional help is essential. If the bird is visibly injured, such as having a broken wing or bleeding, it needs immediate veterinary attention. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to care for injured birds and can provide the medical treatment they need to recover. They also have the knowledge and resources to properly rehabilitate birds and release them back into the wild.

If the bird is a baby bird and you're unable to provide the intensive care it needs, it's best to take it to a wildlife rehabilitator. Baby birds require frequent feedings and specialized care that can be challenging for someone without experience. Rehabilitators have the equipment and expertise to raise baby birds successfully and ensure they have the best chance of survival.

Signs of illness, such as lethargy, ruffled feathers, or discharge from the eyes or nostrils, also warrant a call to a professional. Birds can become ill quickly, and prompt treatment is crucial. A wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian can diagnose the problem and provide the appropriate medication or care. Attempting to treat a sick bird yourself can be risky, as some medications can be harmful if not administered correctly.

If you're unsure about what to do, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. They can assess the situation and provide guidance on the best course of action. You can find a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area by contacting your local animal shelter or wildlife agency. Remember, seeking professional help can make a significant difference in the bird's chances of survival and recovery.

Long-Term Care and Release

If you're caring for a bird with the intention of releasing it back into the wild, it's essential to consider its long-term needs. The goal is to help the bird recover and develop the skills it needs to survive on its own. This includes ensuring it can fly properly, forage for food, and recognize and avoid predators. If you've raised a baby bird, it's crucial to teach it these skills before releasing it.

As the bird recovers, gradually increase its exposure to the outdoors. Start by placing its enclosure outside for short periods, allowing it to acclimate to the sights and sounds of nature. This will help it adjust to its natural environment and prepare for release. Provide opportunities for the bird to practice flying in a safe, enclosed space. Make sure it can fly strongly and maneuver easily before you consider releasing it.

Before releasing the bird, choose a suitable location. Ideally, this should be an area where the bird is native and where there is plenty of food and water. Avoid releasing the bird in areas with heavy traffic or a high concentration of predators. If possible, release the bird near other birds of its species, as this can help it integrate into a flock. The timing of the release is also important. Spring and early summer are often good times to release birds, as there is plenty of food available and the weather is mild.

Once you've released the bird, continue to observe it for a few days to make sure it's adjusting well. You can leave out food and water in the release area to provide a supplemental food source as it gets used to foraging on its own. If the bird seems unable to fend for itself or if it's injured again, you might need to recapture it and seek further professional help. Releasing a bird back into the wild is a rewarding experience, but it's important to do it responsibly and ensure the bird has the best chance of success.

Caring for a found bird can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By identifying the bird, providing the right food and environment, and seeking professional help when needed, you can make a real difference in its life. Remember, every bird deserves a chance to thrive, and your efforts can help ensure its survival. Good luck, and thanks for caring!