Birds may be injured at any time of the year but more commonly during Spring and Summer when most bird species are breeding. Common reasons for birds coming into care are:

  • Predator attack – especially by dogs and cats. Young birds still unable to, or just learning to fly, are particularly vulnerable to predator attack. These birds require veterinary attention even when injuries are not initially apparent.
  • Mistaken abandonment – fledgling birds learning to fly may often find their way to the ground without injury. These are often mistaken for orphaned chicks and are removed from the location of parental care. Parental care may be intermittent at this stage but is still necessary, and placement of the young bird in a safe nearby tree away from the threat of cat attack is preferable to the removal of the bird from the area altogether. Such fledglings are ideally monitored from a distance until they are reunited with their parents.

Fledgling = a young bird that has recently left the nest but is still dependant on its parents; a young bird that is almost fully feathered.

  • Genuine orphans – nestling chicks found on the ground with no chance of relocation to the nest. There may be no obvious signs of a nest nearby as the nest may be too high or the chick may have fallen in bad weather during which the nest has been destroyed. In these circumstances the chick may have sustained injuries additional to orphaning.

Nestling chick = a bird still confined to the nest and wholly dependant on it’s parents; a newly hatched bird with no feathers, a downy feathered bird or a partially feathered bird that would not have ordinarily have left the nest.

  • Collision injuries – flying into cars or windows is common and can often result in head injuries and/or broken wings. Clinical assessment is often the only way to diagnose concussion as head injuries are not always obvious. These birds usually require specialised care and/or medical attention.

Helpful Hints To Keep In Mind When Rescuing An Injured Bird.

The most important consideration when handling or transporting an injured bird is to minimise further stress to the animal. A quiet, warm, dark place with minimal disturbance is the best place for an injured bird prior to, and during, transport. Injured wild birds should be taken to any individual or institution (i.e. Wildcare Australia or Currumbin Wildlife Hospital) with a registered Wildlife Shelter Permit or your nearest Veterinarian. Consider the following points when providing short-term care of injured wild birds:

  • Throwing an old towel, blanket or piece of clothing over an injured bird is the most effective means of capture. Watch out for beaks, wings and claws!
  • The best form of transport is a securely closed or covered cardboard box, with air holes in it and a non-ravelling towel placed in the bottom. This is preferable to a birdcage but if a cage must be used, remove all perches and internal fittings, place a towel inside and use an additional towel to cover the cage.
  • As orphaned chicks are unable to support themselves, additional ‘nest-like’ support around the chick will assist them in maintaining their body heat and prevent sprawling injuries.
  • Exposure to people, other animals, strange noises and environments will cause major stress to any bird therefore do not try and comfort the bird or disturb it by having people look at it, especially children; keep domestic pets well away; and keep the radio off during car travel.
  • Do not attempt to feed the bird or offer it fluids.
  • Place the box securely on the floor of the car, out of direct sunlight and transport to assistance ASAP.
  • Always wash your hands after any contact with wild birds.

If you are unable to transport the bird within 30 minutes please contact Wildcare on (07) 5527 2444 or Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, 27 Millers Drive, Currumbin on (07) 5534 0813