Fledglings have lost most of their baby fuzz and look more like adults.
Altricial (dependent on their parents) birds have three phases of development: hatchlings have just emerged from the egg, eyes closed and fuzzy; nestling have opened their eyes and have some feather growth; and fledglings have feathers and spend their time hopping, exploring outside the nest and learning to fly. Every spring and summer, fledglings are mistakenly brought into wildlife rehabilitation facilities because people don't realize a fledgling belongs on the ground. Generally, a fledgling's parents still feed and protect it. However, sometimes a fledgling may have injuries or has lost its parents in which case a wildlife rehabilitator intervenes.
Instructions
1. Introduce nature to the fledgling bird's enclosure. Provide branches, rocks, a shallow water dish and beach sand, if the bird is a wader. The enclosure must provide room for the bird to exercise its wings and fly at least a short distance.
2. Introduce the bird to the foods it will eat in the wild such as local insects, fruits, seeds, rodents or fish.
3. Leave food in the bird's enclosure at all times and reduce hand-feeding until the bird learns to eat on its own, with songbirds, seabirds and doves.
4. Perform a "soft release" once the bird is self-feeding, fully feathered and is no longer begging you for food. According to "Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation" by the the National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association, "soft release" means opening the cage door so the bird can leave when it is ready, but the bird will still have open-door access to its cage, food and water. Generally, the bird will come back for food and water for a few days to 2 weeks. Once you have not seen the bird for several days, assume it is fully fledged and wild.
Related posts
Sometimes a baby blackbird may need care.Fledgling blackbirds can require care if they can't fly and are abandoned by their parents. Before you rescue a fledgling bird, be sure it is indeed in nee...
Your bird's cage is his home, and he will most likely spend a great deal of time inside it. It is important to set up your bird's cage properly to create an interesting and safe home for your bird...
The United State Postal Service, or USPS, ships live birds if all packaging requirements are met. The regulations for shipping birds are somewhat confusing, and may be interpreted differently by d...
Feeding a pet bird, especially a parrot, can get expensive. Often the treats and supplemental foods end up costing more than the base diet. While it's important to feed your bird a variety of high...
Nestling robins are small and unfeathered.Many people feel compelled to act when faced with a baby bird on the ground. The small creature seems so helpless and vulnerable that the first impulse is...
