Knowledge base: Sick, injured and dead birds
What should I do with a dead bird in my garden?
Do not touch it with bare hands. In England, Scotland and Wales you can report dead wild birds to Defra online or by phone on 03459 33 55 77, and they may be collected and tested for bird flu. If it is not collected, GOV.UK sets out how to double-bag a small number of birds for your outside bin, then wash your hands.
Reporting
GOV.UK’s report dead wild birds service applies to England, Scotland and Wales. The form asks where you found the birds, what type they are and how many. GOV.UK says reported birds “may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death”, and that not all will be collected. Northern Ireland has separate guidance from DAERA.
The same page gives two other routes:
- Suspected pesticide or rodenticide poisoning: the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme on 0800 321 600.
- Suspected wildlife crime: the police.
For garden birds you think died of disease, the BTO and RSPB also point to Garden Wildlife Health.
Removing it from the garden
GOV.UK’s steps for a small number of birds at a home are:
- Pick it up with disposable gloves, or a plastic bag over your hand.
- Put it in a plastic bag and tie it, keeping the bird off the outside of the bag.
- Put that bag, with the gloves, in a second bag, preferably leak-proof, without touching the outside of the gloves with bare hands.
- Put it in your outside household waste bin.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If you bury it instead, GOV.UK says dig at least 60cm deep, do not bury it in a plastic bag, and keep away from watercourses and water supplies.
If birds at your feeder look ill too
Stop feeding and clean up. See what to do about a sick bird at the feeder.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Report dead wild birds, opened 14 November 2026.
- GOV.UK: Removing and disposing of dead wild birds, opened 14 November 2026.
- RSPB: What to do if you find sick or dead birds, opened 14 November 2026.