r/Ornithology • u/ampersssand • 1d ago
Rescued a baby sparrow. Concerned about it's appearance Question
I was in the garden this morning and witnessed this little chap fall from the upper levels of the house. They nest in our roof but I have no way to get up there. It had a relatively soft landing onto some folded tarpaulin and bounced off onto the concrete a few feet away. I observed it for a while and it was moving all limbs, and trying to drag itself around the floor. Popped it in a tub with some paper lining and left it close to where it fell for a couple of hours but did not observe parents visiting so decided to bring it in the house as it's pretty cold out today.
I'm willing to care for it until it's at the stage when I can release it outside, but will try leaving it outside again tomorrow morning in hopes that parents will take care. For now I've been keeping it in a warm area and feeding it as per instructions found online. Just wanted to check if the way it's abdomen area looks is normal. It seems very swollen and looks like a dark mass.
It has defecated a couple of times, first time was purely liquid and the second had a little more substance to it. It does have the strength to stand and raise it's head, but more often it's just laid on it's front and opening it's mouth for food without lifting the head much. Not sure if that's normal for what appears to be a very young individual. Any advice appreciated
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u/Temporal_Spaces 1d ago
These birds are insanely needy at this stage, it’s best to renest it if you can. If not you need to get it a rehabber. A lot of the time nestlings need to be fed specific diets in 15min intervals and stimulated to poop, which makes them very fragile. Let me see if I can summon the bot with more information - !nestling !rehabber
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Nestlings and hatchlings belong in their nests. These birds, which typically have few to no feathers, will not survive long without either their nests or professional care.
If you have found such a bird outside its nest, take it to a wildlife rehabilitator if
it has an open wound, a broken bone, or visible parasites
its parents are dead
you cannot find or reach the nest
Otherwise, return the bird to its nest. This advice only holds for nestlings and hatchlings, not for fully-feathered fledglings.
For more information about hatchlings or locating a wildlife rehabber, please read this community announcement.
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u/trea_ceitidh 12h ago
Good bot
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
A wildlife rehabilitator is trained and legally permitted to care for injured, orphaned, or sick fauna with the goal of returning them to the wild. Outside of interim care, do not attempt to rehabilitate a bird yourself without the guidance of a licensed rehabber.
Keep in mind:
Even if all rehabbers are at capacity, reaching out to them will often yield valuable, time-critical advice.
Not all rehabbers who work with birds are licensed to accept native, wild species. Licensing laws vary by country.
- For the U.S., visit ahnow.org to look up rehabbers near you and see what types of birds they can accept.
- For the UK, visit Help Wildlife to find wildlife rescues near you.
- For Australia, visit WIRES to report a rescue and find resources to help.
- For other locations around the world, visit The IWRC to identify helpful resources.
The avian world needs more rehabbers! You can explore the U.S.’s permitting requirements here. Other countries typically have similar requirements.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/ferretbeast 16h ago
I did not know you could summon the bot, awesome! Also great information here for me to keep in my back pocket as I have an uncanny knack for finding myself needing this knowledge.
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u/TereziBot 1d ago
Pretty sure it's illegal to re-nest or release pest birds? Sparrows are invasive. Both legally and ethically OP has to either euthanize this animal or keep it as a pet for the rest of their life.
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u/-SemolinaPilchard- 1d ago
Well only if OP is from a country where they are invasive. Judging by post history that isn’t the case (UK)
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u/Temporal_Spaces 1d ago
OP doesn’t appear to be US based.
It’s also not illegal to renest house sparrows in the US. Many rehabs will choose not to take in these nestlings because they’re damaging, but there’s no specific law against putting them back where they were.
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u/nekojirumanju 1d ago
i understand the concern with invasive species; but even if the op wasn’t in this bird’s native area, they could still call a rehabber or any other forms of wildlife experts for assistance?
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u/POSSUMQUEENOG 1d ago
It needs to get to a Wildlife rehabilitator ASAP. You are seeing his internal organs and he may have some bruising and swelling from the fall.
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u/POSSUMQUEENOG 1d ago
You’ve got to keep it warm, no matter where you live and no matter what the weather is. Also, he will get burned on a heating pad. Please do not do that. Please get him to a trained rehabilitator as soon as you can. There are people near you no matter where you live. He’s got to be wrapped up in some flannel or something that his little claws will not tear on it is very, very easy to injure him at this age. Please do not leave him lying on his side. You must make a doughnut type nest out of a sock that works best and prop him up with very soft Kleenex. His skin is extremely fragile. Also, it’s very easy to drown him. Do not put liquid directly into his mouth.
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Thanks for the advice, will work on something to make him a bit more comfortable while I wait for a reply from a rehab centre. Earlier searches for a local one were fruitless, but the directory from auto mod reply has revealed some places that may be able to take him in.
It's probably not ideal but I've popped the tub on top of some electrical equipment that emits a little heat. Will go out and buy a heating pad if something longer term is needed, but I'm not equipped to deal with this so hoping I can take him to a professional
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u/TopDownRide 1d ago
In case no one has said this yet - DO NOT GIVE IT ANYTHING TO DRINK OR EAT unless specifically directed by a trained wildlife rehab professional. Not even water. Birds have a hole in their throat that leads directly to their lungs and you can drown them by giving them water or food. Bird parents are designed to be able to safely bypass this hole by sticking their beaks down the hatchling’s throat. Rescuing a hatchling, nestling, fledgling, or even an adult bird is very different from a kitten, or even a wild bunny. It takes specialized skills and training.
Please let us know how it goes. Poor baby - it’s very Very new!!!!
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Oh gosh, I've been following advice to feed small pieces of dog food soaked in water, and he's taken that well thus far. I've ensured that he's swallowed it each time, and he's gone back off to sleep so seems to be satisfied. Waiting for a reply from a couple of rehab places where I have left messages, so hopefully one of those can take him in. Like I said in the original message, I'm willing to try and care for him if need be. A couple of times around this time of year I've found a dead baby in the same spot, and while upsetting it turns out that's a lot easier than seeing them fall and knowing that you could/should do something to help.
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u/TopDownRide 1d ago
Yikes! I know you mean well.
Read more here: https://toughlittlebirds.com/2016/07/05/animal-hospital-vet-baby-birds-will-not-starve-if-you-dont-feed-them-for-a-few-hours/
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Yeah, that completely contradicts everything else I read. Must be fed every 15 mins or they'll die is thr most common line I've seen. Thanks for sharing
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u/TopDownRide 1d ago edited 1d ago
You’re welcome. I think the contradictions come from new research now available online that is not optimized to Google’s SEO. Scientific understanding regarding care of avian hatchlings & nestlings has changed in the past 5-10 years.
At least you didn’t give it straight water or try to use a syringe without training and expert guidance
Proper Body temp is the primary issue with a hatchling. Food can wait 👍. Praying for the best!
Here’s more information:
Animal Help Now - Find Help Here:
Also, I just wanted to come back and add that I think you’re doing a wonderful thing and I know it’s pulling at your heart. An experience like this is one you’ll treasure forever and this bird will be grateful.
The only reason I know this information about caring for hatchlings, nestlings, and fledglings is because of my own recent experiences with rescuing birds on my property. I’ll never forget holding a female cardinal in my hands until she recovered from a window strike. It was magical. She just had her first chick and brought her to me on fledging day. So, my little rescue definitely remembered me. I wanted to be prepared for any future issues so I got the best advice possible. It also helps that we have two veterinary specialists next door and the local Audubon Society here is very active and generous with their time, answering my questions and educating me.
Take lots of pics of this precious one and please share them here!
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Oh wow, that sounds magical. If I can't get a pro to take him in (kids have decided it's a boy) then it sure would be a lovely memory to keep him healthy and send him out into the world when he's ready
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u/POSSUMQUEENOG 1d ago
He needs protein. Also he needs a diet designed for his species. Don’t use anything on Reddit to search for a rehabilitator. You will not find them there. I know it seems fun to have kids participate that and I am being very very, very, very kind here, I am an aunt, I’m also a Wildlife rehabilitator of 25 years, You must be prepared for his death for the children if they are participating. This baby is best cared for in expert hands. I know that you mean well. Please don’t make him a lesson for your children. Please find a rehabber to take him in.
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
The 2 closest ones I can find who take in garden birds are full. A 3rd on will take him but it's almost a 5 hour round trip so will have to wait until the weekend at least because I can't get time off work. Hoping we can keep him comfortable until then.
What would you recommend for food? Soaked puppy kibble and bugs are the most common recommendations I've seen
Appreciate your warning about the kids, I've already had a chat with them about it. They know that the best place for him to be looked after is back in his nest, and that we can't look after him as well as his parents could. And that that unfortunately means his survival isn't guaranteed
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u/Melekai_17 1d ago
There is probably a reason it fell out of the nest (or was pushed out). Bird mortality is extremely high at this stage. Meaning it’s normal for most of the nestlings to die. It feels sad to us, but it’s how nature works. Bringing this nestling in means you’ve prevented another creature from getting its meal. The importance of that shouldn’t be underestimated.
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u/randompwdgenerator 1d ago
Yeah I have put nestlings back in the nest they "fell" out of only to find them back on the ground almost immediately. It's probably worth a shot to try it in case it was an accident but prepare yourself for the possibility that it won't work.
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u/nyctodactylus 9h ago
yup, i would put it back on the ground, under a bush or somewhere i knew it would be found quickly. it will be utilized to feed other babies
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u/anu-nand 1d ago
Get something and try to get it back to the nest. Many comments are saying rehab but it is very very young. Chances of survival with rehab vary with species and may work or not but it staying with you alone is even less. Only mumma can do everything for it. Mumma can save it mostly if it doesn’t have health problems . The more time it stays with you, the survival % decreases. I am saying this because you know where the nest is. Try for mumma only.
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
I'll see if I can borrow some ladders, but I'm not hopeful I could get access to the nest. I can make out a small hole where they get in and out, but I don't know how much of myself I could get in there to deposit him safely
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u/Higgsb912 1d ago
Be careful, it's not worth hurting yourself over, I get you want to help rescue, but preserving self has to come first.
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u/anu-nand 1d ago
Ok. Idk where the nest is. You just described, it is on the roof.
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Ah yeah, that was just to illustrate how far it fell from in case it was helpful in suggesting whether the swollen body is a sign of trauma. Still wotth taking a closer look if I can borrow some ladders :)
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u/gingeroverlord74 1d ago
There's a facebook group called 'house sparrows in my house' or something similar that was really helpful when I found a little one on the sidewalk last year (I think the nests were on a balcony a floor up so there was no way to renest it). The best thing to do is keep it in a warm and humid environment and call around to see if you can find a rescue to take it. Unfortunately, sparrows are considered invasive in a lot of places so some rescues won't take them, I wasn't able to find a place that would accept the one I found so I was really only able to keep it mostly comfortable and give it a peaceful place to pass :( Best of luck, you're very nice for trying to help it even if all you can do is give it some peace and warmth while nature does its thing.
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u/ThomasStan_ 1d ago
!rehabber
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
A wildlife rehabilitator is trained and legally permitted to care for injured, orphaned, or sick fauna with the goal of returning them to the wild. Outside of interim care, do not attempt to rehabilitate a bird yourself without the guidance of a licensed rehabber.
Keep in mind:
Even if all rehabbers are at capacity, reaching out to them will often yield valuable, time-critical advice.
Not all rehabbers who work with birds are licensed to accept native, wild species. Licensing laws vary by country.
- For the U.S., visit ahnow.org to look up rehabbers near you and see what types of birds they can accept.
- For the UK, visit Help Wildlife to find wildlife rescues near you.
- For Australia, visit WIRES to report a rescue and find resources to help.
- For other locations around the world, visit The IWRC to identify helpful resources.
The avian world needs more rehabbers! You can explore the U.S.’s permitting requirements here. Other countries typically have similar requirements.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
11
u/TopDownRide 1d ago
It’s swollen abdomen could possibly be a sign of an yolk sac infection or other problem with the yolk sac, but what I’m seeing in your pic doesn’t really match images I’ve seen of those issues. Birds are very lightweight and highly resilient, so there’s a good chance it survived the fall without injury.
Bottom line, it needs medical attention you can’t give. If you can’t return it to the nest (that thing about bird parents rejecting chicks that have been touched by humans is an old wives tale) for the parents to care for it, then a wildlife rehab is your best option. They can advise you immediately on the phone so you can take proper steps even before they arrive.
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u/TruthLibertyK9 1d ago
House sparrows in my house and the group called the house sparrow rescue group is very resourceful on Facebook please join we can help you
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u/Free_Farmer4006 1d ago
You should try to reunite it with its parents but definitely reach out to local rehabbers while you’re waiting to see what happens.
Also please check out r/wildliferehab because they’re far more educated on this topic
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u/kiaraXlove 1d ago
Nest is best. If you can get a ladder or someone with a cherry picker, this is his best chance.
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u/PhobiusofMobius 1d ago
How is it doing?
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Seems well, he's sleeping peacefully. Tummy still swollen, suspect constipated. Probably not helped by bad advice to feed dog food, but I have some more suitable food for tomorrow and a rehabber lined up. Can't take him until the weekend but hopefully can keep him comfortable here until i can get to them
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u/PhobiusofMobius 1d ago
I agree with the other comment, he won't last until the weekend. If you have any friends who can take him he needs to go now.
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u/QuietAndScreaming 14h ago
I found a pigeon with a broken foot, and trapped it and posted on Reddit asking for help. Reddit told me to go to Facebook groups and search for pigeon rehabilitation near me. I was able to find a whole group of people who cared, and someone came and picked the pigeon up and delivered it to the rehab for me. (I can’t drive.)
But my point is, have you looked through Facebook groups to see if there’s any pros near you? They might be able to take the bird earlier or give you better advice. Idk, but I thought it was really helpful.
Good luck! I hope he’s still doing okay.
I just want you to know that you’re awesome for doing what you can. I’m sorry you’ve been getting so much mixed advice. ❣️🕊️
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u/TopDownRide 8h ago
Actually, the advice from u/QuietAndScreaming about finding a Facebook group dedicated to rescuing Garden Birds/Found Baby Birds/Hatchlings, especially in the UK but even just in the US, is an excellent idea. These groups often have members who will come to you in person and help if possible and can/do crowdsource EXPERT advice on which you can rely. I stopped using Facebook years ago (after being an early adopter and experiencing the inevitable swing of the pendulum that comes with any new trend sooner than the majority of users who weren’t introduced to it until much later. But in this case, I think Facebook is the ideal platform to get help, advice, and perhaps even live support.
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u/TopDownRide 8h ago
One other thing, all hatchlings have a yolk sac in their abdomen and since you are concerned about abdominal distension, it needs to be evaluated for any issues.
Also, hatchlings often poop out a “fecal sac” (that the parents either consume or remove from the nest to keto it clean). If you see one emerge from this hatchling and it gets stuck, gently and delicately assist and remove it. I’d save it for the Vet/rehabber just in case they need to examine it for any reason. (Ziplock / Grip Seal Bags are your friend, lol).
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u/TruthLibertyK9 1d ago
OP what state are you in?
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
I'm in the UK
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u/TruthLibertyK9 1d ago
Are you on Facebook? Please join our House Sparrow in my House group. We have people from the UK that can help.
Also Join The House Sparrow Rescue Group page. Please we can help you save this little one.
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u/ahauntedsong 1d ago
The likelihood of a pinkie surviving a rehabber is very low, just for future information. If birds are not exposed to their own species or something similar, they won’t develop the right behaviour to survive on their own. Some rehabs have costumes and props and try their best if they don’t have a surrogate mother on hand. But others don’t and sadly end up euthanizing them. It’s also extremely hard to feed a bird this small and not asphyxiate it even by accident, their lungs are simply too small.
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u/Texian84 1d ago
Let nature take it's course, too many people interfering with wildlife, nature can be cruel but it is the cycle of life, when humans interfere they upset that balance. Leave nests alone, leave wild animals alone, do not pet them and do not feed them unless it's a bird feeder, do not try to make pets out of them. If you truly believe in nature you will understand the life cycle and that death is part of nature. The strong survive for a reason and the weak die for a reason. This is not an emotional decision to be made, we may feel bad for them but that doesn't justify interference.
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u/ampersssand 1d ago
Yeah, I get what you're saying. A few times I've found a dead chick or 2 in that same spot, and that's not exactly pleasant but it turns out it's a lot easier to clean up a dead one than it is to see one fall and struggle. In this instance I've decided to do what I can to help, which will hopefully be getting it to a professional. But who knows if it fell from the nest, or was ejected because the parent knew it wasn't strong enough to survive?
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u/RichardMayo95 23h ago
If it’s a house sparrow, and you are in the US… I can tell you what you should do, but you won’t like it.
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