Knowledge base: Sick, injured and dead birds
Who should I call about an injured wild bird?
Start with a local wildlife rescue. The RSPB says it is not the right organisation to contact about individual birds, and recommends asking a wildlife rescue for advice before you do anything. It also says any vet should give emergency first aid to wildlife free of charge.
Finding help
According to the RSPB:
- Local wildlife rescues can be found through the RSPCA website or helpwildlife.co.uk.
- Any vet should give emergency first aid to wildlife free of charge, and can arrange a transfer to a rescue if longer care is needed.
For difficult cases, such as a trapped or larger animal, or when no local help is available, the RSPB lists:
| Nation | Organisation | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | RSPCA | 0300 1234 999 |
| Scotland | Scottish SPCA | 03000 999 999 |
| Northern Ireland | USPCA | 028 3025 1000 |
Before you pick it up
Not every bird on the ground is injured. A feathered fledgling is usually best left where it is; see I’ve found a baby bird on the ground. Swifts on the ground are different: the RSPB says never try to launch one, and contact a swift rehabilitator.
Hedgehogs have their own helpline. See I’ve seen a hedgehog out in the day.
Sources
- RSPB: If you find an injured bird, opened 14 November 2026.