How to Help an Injured Bird
If you find an injured bird in your outside space, it can be quite stressful, but quick thinking makes the difference between life and death for small birds, medium birds, and large birds.
For both you and the bird, it's best to stay clear-headed, calm, and gentle with the bird; like all injured animals, they will be very frightened.
From contacting local wildlife rescue groups to putting them safely in a box with a cover and air holes, we've got all of the information you need to help injured wildlife.
Assess the Situation: Is the Bird Sick or Injured?
Spotting a bird hanging around in your garden doesn't always mean they are injured, even if they are acting a little bit strange.
During the summer months, you might spot a baby bird that is learning how to fly and explore, often mistaken for a sick bird because they haven't quite mastered flying yet! So a lone baby bird doesn't necessarily need saving.
It's best to assess the situation to determine if it's an adult bird that needs help from a local wildlife rescue service or if it's just playing around. Observe the bird for a short period. If the bird is alert, hopping, and calling, it's probably okay.
If it's a fledgling and there is an adult bird around, leave it alone (but don't worry if you do touch it, parents won't abandon baby birds because they have been touched), but moving them far can split them up, so if the fledgling is by a road or in immediate danger, you can move it to a sheltered spot - but make sure it's close by.
If you're unsure, contact an animal welfare organisation for more advice.
Consider if Intervening is the Best Course
Birds suffer from shock easily, which is why we recommend only disturbing and moving a bird if you think it won't get better on its own. If you think it can survive on its own in the wild, it's best to leave the injured bird alone. For example, a bird with only minor or leg injuries will probably fly away if you try to approach it anyway, so it's okay to let them go without getting them help.
The Next Steps
If you’ve taken a few moments to observe and you’re confident the bird is injured, it might be bleeding, dragging a wing, unresponsive, or unable to stand, then it’s time to step in calmly and quickly.
Handling & Keeping the Wild Bird Safe
The first step is making sure the bird is safe, especially if it is struggling to move from a dangerous spot and is in immediate danger.
Start by gently placing the bird in a well-ventilated box, make sure it's an adequately sized box lined with a clean cloth or paper towel. If possible, wear gloves or use a soft towel to protect yourself and reduce stress for the bird, and keep the box in a dark space, as dark helps reduce stress.
If it's cold and you want to warm the bird up, place a hot water bottle filled with hot water from the tap (make sure it's wrapped in a cloth) near the bird.
Carefully scoop it up without squeezing, and avoid handling it more than necessary. Do not use cages, wire baskets, or anything that could damage feathers or wings.
Contact a Wildlife Rescue Immediately
As soon as the bird is secure, contact a vet or wildlife charity as soon as possible; they are trained to assess serious injuries and can provide the correct care. It’s important not to treat the bird yourself.
If you’re not sure who to call, use HelpWildlife.co.uk; it has a postcode-based directory of licensed wildlife carers across the UK. Time matters, so the sooner you make contact, the better the bird’s chance of survival. There are lots of local practices and local vets that you can get hold of to help.
RSPCA (England & Wales)
www.rspca.org.uk
National emergency response for injured or distressed wild birds and animals.
Help Wildlife Directory (UK-wide)
www.helpwildlife.co.uk/need-help
Search for local wildlife rescues by postcode and species; includes expert care guides.
Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital (Buckinghamshire, South East)
www.tiggywinkles.com
A specialist wildlife hospital is open 24/7 for injured birds and other wild animals.
Wildlife Aid Foundation (Surrey, South East)
www.wildlifeaid.org.uk
Experienced wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre with useful resources online.
Secret World Wildlife Rescue (Somerset, South West)
www.secretworld.org
Takes in injured birds, including garden birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey.
The Wildlife Trusts (UK-wide)
www.wildlifetrusts.org
Local Trusts may offer advice or work with nearby rescue centres, search by region.
Do Not Feed or Water The Bird
It’s a common instinct to want to offer food or water to an injured bird, but please don’t. While the intention is kind, it can cause serious harm. Injured or shocked birds are often too weak to swallow properly, and trying to give food or water can lead to choking aspiration pneumonia, or further stress.
Many wild birds also have specialist diets, and feeding them the wrong thing, like bread, seed, or even mealworms, can be fatal, especially for insectivores like swifts or robins and other birds. The safest and kindest thing you can do is keep the bird warm, dark, and quiet, then get it to a licensed wildlife rescue or vet as soon as possible.
