Knowledge base: Sick, injured and dead birds
I’ve found a baby bird on the ground. What should I do?
If it is fully feathered, it is probably a fledgling and the RSPB says it is usually best left alone: its parents are normally nearby, so keep people and pets away. If it has no feathers, it is a nestling that should not be out of the nest and needs help; return it to its own nest if you can.
Fledgling or nestling?
The RSPB draws the line on feathers:
- A fledgling is fully feathered. If it is not sick or injured, leave it. The parents are typically close by.
- A nestling has no feathers. It “should not be out of the nest” and will need help. Where possible, put it back in its own nest.
When to step in
The RSPB says intervene if a bird is sick, injured or in danger. If a fledgling is in danger, move it a short way to a sheltered spot such as under a hedge, staying within earshot of where it was found so its parents can still find it.
Swifts are the exception. The RSPB says swift chicks on the ground need help, and: “Never attempt to launch a grounded Swift, always contact a Swift rehabilitator for advice.”
Who to ask
The RSPB suggests contacting a wildlife rescue for advice before taking any action. Numbers and options are in who should I call about an injured wild bird?
Sources
- RSPB: If you find an injured bird, opened 14 November 2026.