It can be distressing to see a bird in need of help. Get expert advice on how to help an injured bird — including when it's best not to intervene.
If You See an Injured Bird, Here’s What to Do
Published on Jul. 01, 2025
Backyard birders put out feeders because they enjoy watching and caring for the feathered fliers that live near their homes. It’s rewarding, and often heartwarming, to feed birds — but sometimes, providing for nature also means witnessing moments we humans consider tragic. Especially in the case of visible injury or distress, you might feel compelled to intervene. We talked with birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman about what to do with an injured bird, including when not to step in.
Can you touch a baby bird or will the parents abandon it?
On This Page
What to Do with an Injured Songbird
If you’ve spotted a songbird or another small, native bird that seems like it’s struggling, you might want to help it. In some cases, Kenn and Kimberly say that’s OK. However, you should never attempt to care for a wild native bird on your own. “If the injuries are serious enough that it’s possible to catch the bird, it’s always best to take it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator,” Kenn and Kimberly explain.
Because rehabilitators have the correct equipment, licensing, and training to treat an injury, birders should always take birds to the experts rather than trying to be a bird doctor. “A small bird can be caught in a towel or soft cloth, then placed in a cardboard box and kept in a quiet and dark place until it can be delivered to a rehabilitator,” Kenn and Kimberly say.
Equally important as taking the bird to a licensed rehabber is refraining from offering it food or water. While these actions come from the kindness of one’s heart, they can do more harm than good. “The bird might have internal injuries that aren’t apparent,” Kenn and Kimberly say, “and consuming anything might make those injuries worse. Giving the bird inappropriate types of food or forcing it to drink could be fatal.”
To find a rehabilitator, the Kaufmans recommend consulting a list provided by a state wildlife agency. If you can’t find one for your state, ask a veterinarian for local rehabilitators or take a look online.
Learn how to help a stunned bird that flew into a window.
What to Do with an Injured Large Bird or Raptor
What to do with an injured bird changes if you’re dealing with a bigger bird, such as a falcon, hawk, owl, or heron. Kenn and Kimberly note that these birds’ sharp talons, daggerlike bills and even fast-flapping wings can cause harm to humans. “If a person chooses to approach these potentially dangerous birds, they should at least wear heavy gloves and protective eyewear and try to capture the bird by throwing a blanket or heavy towel over it first,” they say.
Ultimately, because of the safety concerns, their recommendation is to allow trained professionals to approach and capture the bird.
Do fighting hummingbirds ever hurt each other?
Is Advice Different for Non-Native Injured Birds?
Non-native feeder birds such as house sparrows and European starlings can sustain injuries, too. The Kaufmans say intervening in those instances can be slightly trickier, since some rehabilitators won’t treat non-natives. However, because these species aren’t covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, birders can care for them at home. “It’s not illegal for the average citizen to keep them captive while attempting to treat their injuries, if they choose to try that,” Kenn and Kimberly say.
When Not to Intervene With Injured Birds
It’s difficult to not step in when wildlife seems to need help, but Kenn and Kimberly make it clear there are situations where that’s the best course of action. While bird flu doesn’t often affect songbirds, it can be a concern with larger birds. As Kenn and Kimberly remind birders, “if a bird appears to be seriously ill rather than injured, there’s a slight possibility that it might have some malady that could transfer to humans.” You wouldn’t want to expose yourself, loved ones, or even pets to any disease.
Some birds also overcome physical challenges on their own. Reader Cynthia Raught spotted a blue jay with a deformed beak (above) at her feeder. Kenn and Kimberly offer advice. “Birds develop bill deformities from a variety of causes. These can be fatal, of course, if they prevent the bird from eating. But if the birds can adapt and figure out how to pick up their food and eat it, they may get by just fine. Some birds with deformed bills might live for years, even finding mates and successfully raising families,” they say.
In addition, as with all things, it’s always advisable to use common sense. If you see an injured bird in a place that would risk your safety to access, it’s best — although difficult, we understand — to leave it alone. In most cases, though, a backyard wouldn’t pose such dangers. If you follow Kenn and Kimberly’s advice, take reasonable precautions and contact an experienced rehabilitator, it’s good to get an injured bird the help it needs.
RELATED:
Wild Bird Diseases: What You Need to Know
Bird Lifespan: How Long Do Wild Birds Live?
Why Are My Backyard Birds Fighting?
About the Experts
Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman are the official bird experts for Birds & Blooms. They are the creators of the Kaufman Field Guide series and they lead birding trips all over the world.
