How to help nestlings and fledglings (aka baby birds) on the ground!
Updated: May 16, 2023
Every year, helpful humans find baby birds on the ground. And every year, they wonder if they should help.
Keep up with our helpful flocking articles by Joining the Flock!
What is the difference between a fledgling and a nestling?
The largest difference between a nestling and a fledgling comes down to the ability to leave the nest. A fledgling is trying to leave the nest and build its flying muscle and improve its flying skills. A nestling has poor motor skills and is unable to move without significant assistance.
Nestling definition
A nestling is a young bird that is not mature enough to leave the nest. Nestlings are typically still dependent upon the nest for protection, are mostly naked, and are unable to fly.
Fledgling definition
A fledgling is an immature bird that has left the nest. Fledglings are typically no longer dependent upon the nest, have feathers that are mostly to fully grown, and are capable of minimal to awkward flight. Not all fledglings are fully capable of full flight, and they often shelter in dense cover as their feathers finish growing.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Links may lead to affiliate sites.
Take your own nestling photos with the RX10 IV!
How long does it take for an egg to hatch?
Eggs are incubated for a period of 11 days to 80 days depending upon the species. Larger species typically take longer to incubate. Below are a few common North American species incubation times.
American Robin incubation time
American Robins incubate eggs for approximately 12-14 days.
Bluebird incubation time
Eastern Bluebirds incubate eggs for approximately 11-19 days, with a typical incubation time of 14 days. Western Bluebirds incubate eggs for approximately 12-18 days, with a typical incubation time of 13-14 days. Mountain Bluebirds incubate eggs for approximately 10-18 days, with a typical incubation time of 13-14 days.
Blue Jay incubation time
Blue Jays incubate eggs for approximately 17-18 days.
Chickadee incubation time
Black-capped Chickadees incubate eggs for 12-13 days. Carolina Chickadees incubate eggs for 12-15 days. Mountain Chickadees incubate eggs for 12-15 days.
Northern Cardinal incubation time
Northern Cardinals incubate eggs for 11-13 days.
Are baby birds adorable?
- Yes!
- Yes! (No is not an option...)
How long does it take a nestling to fledge?
Most passerines will leave the nest, or fledge, about 9-12 days after hatching. Some species will take longer, depending on the size. In non-passerines, the time to fledging depends on predation risk, weather, species, etc. The Laysan Albatross, for example, fledges approximately 165 days after hatching.
How can I help fallen nestlings?
This question is VERY difficult to answer. Each situation is quite different from the next, and no single answer will solve every problem. If you can answer the questions below, you will hopefully find an answer to help with your fallen nestling.
Is your baby bird feathered?
Yes... You have a fledgling. Proceed here.
No... Continue to question 2.
Is it on the ground or out of the nest?
Yes... Continue to question 3.
No... If the nest is on the ground, proceed here.
Can you find the nest?
Yes... Place the bird back in the nest. The parents will not abandon it.
No... Call a songbird rehabber.
Seem simple? It really is. If you cannot find the nest the nestling fell from, you need help from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Why? Feeding and offering water to a nestling may kill it. Even if you can identify the nestling and have the ability to offer care, migratory birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Illegally possessing a bird could carry severe penalties. Protect the baby bird; protect yourself. Find a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.
Use mealworms in summer to help adult birds feed nestlings!
How can I help fallen fledglings?
This is an easier question to answer. Most fledglings should NOT be helped. However, there are exceptions. Answer the following questions to learn how to most help a fledgling.
Is your baby bird feathered?
Yes... Continue to question 2.
No... It is a nestling. Return here.
Is it in danger?
Yes... Set it on a branch or high in a bush. Do NOTHING more.
No... Continue to question 3.
Is it a raptor such as a hawk, owl, or eagle?
Yes... Call your local wildlife agency. It may need assistance to return to the nest. It can be dangerous for untrained samaritans.
No... Continue to question 4.
Is it a duck or goose?
Yes... Continue to question 5.
No... Leave it alone. Seriously. You are NOT helping.
Can you prove the mother is deceased?
Yes... Call a wildlife rehabber. Introducing a gosling or duckling to a new family can result in immediate death.
No... Leave the duckling or gosling alone. It has not been abandoned.
See? Not much more of a challenge. You can cause far more harm than good if you are not trained to help and rehabilitate wildlife. It is far more complex than putting a bird in a cage with worms.
Learn more about the eggs of birds!
What to do with a nest on the ground?
Old nests fall quite frequently. New nests can fall during severe winds or weather events. When finding a nest on the ground, you must establish the age of the nest and if eggs or chicks still depend on the nest. Use the following questions to guide your decisions.
Does the nest have eggs or nestlings?
Yes... Continue to question 2.
No... It is either old or abandoned. Leave the nest be.
Does the nest have eggs?
Yes... Continue to question 4.
No... Continue to question 3.
Does the nest have nestlings?
Yes... Continue to question 5.
No... How did you end up here?! Go back to question 1. Goofball.
Are the eggs damaged?
Yes... If all eggs are damaged, leave the nest. Little can be done.
No... Find a way to return the nest and eggs to the tree. If you cannot secure the nest easily, put the nest in a shallow bucket or flower pot and attach the bucket to the tree.
Are the nestlings alive?
Yes... Continue to question 6.
No... Leave the nest be. There is nothing more you can do for nestlings.
Are the nestlings injured?
Yes... Call a wildlife rehabber.
No... Find a way to return the nest and nestlings to the tree. If you cannot secure the nest easily, put the nest in a shallow bucket or flower pot and attach the bucket to the tree.
Learn more about the nests of North American birds!
This question requires slightly more consideration. If the nest was being actively used at the time of its fall, you must decide if the nest, eggs, or nestlings can be safely returned. If they cannot, contact a wildlife rehabilitation clinic for help.
Helping baby birds
Helping a nestling, fledgling, or some other baby animal can be dangerous to both humans and birds if not done correctly. Follow these steps to the best of your ability, and you will maximize the opportunity for the chick to survive! If in doubt, contact your local wildlife agency to learn what help can be offered in your area.
If you need further assistance, TEXT us with your situation at (307) 313-BIRD!
Want more tips on birds, feeding birds, identifying birds, wildlife safety, and more?? Join our site, join us on Flocking YouTube, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter, and visit our Amazon Storefront.
