Animal Protection Association Warns: Avoid These Mistakes with Young Birds

Renée Koller is often the first point of contact at the Austrian Animal Welfare Association. In recent days, many people have been reaching out with the same questions: "I found a small bird on the ground – does it need help? What should I do?" Koller is familiar with such situations – not only in spring but also in summer, this often occurs. With precise advice, she helps to avoid mistakes that could potentially harm the animals.

Begging Flight Phase of Young Birds

Dr. Vera Marashi, behavioral biologist and scientific associate at the Austrian Animal Welfare Association, explains: "A naked, barely feathered bird is a nestling – it needs help if it is on the ground. A feathered, clumsy young bird is usually a fledgling. It is in the begging flight phase and should be left alone. Fledglings leave the nest voluntarily before they can fly to learn exactly that."

Recognizing the difference between a nestling and a fledgling:
Nestling: barely feathered, helpless, outside the nest → needs help.
Fledgling: feathered, calls loudly, makes clumsy flight attempts, sits on the ground → please leave alone!

The young bird learns to find food in nature through observation and imitation. Additionally, it recognizes impending dangers and learns to respond appropriately. Those who intervene out of pity expose the young animal to unnecessary stress, interrupt parental care, and seriously endanger the bird.

Only Intervene in Case of Real Danger to Young Birds

Intervention is only allowed if a young bird, whether nestling or fledgling, has obviously fallen out of the nest too early, is injured, or is in immediate danger, such as from traffic or cats. Often, it is sufficient to place the young bird back in the nest, in nearby bushes, or on a branch to maintain contact with the parents.

Dr. Vera Marashi makes an appeal to all animal lovers: "Please do not try to care for a young bird on your own! This is a challenge even for experts, rarely succeeds for laypeople, and often costs the little birds their lives. Please always contact a wildlife station, veterinarians, or the Austrian Animal Welfare Association. Then you can jointly consider and plan how best to help the animal."

The Austrian Animal Welfare Association advises caution when rescuing wildlife. If you discover a seemingly abandoned young bird, you should first observe it from a safe distance. In most cases, the parents are nearby and taking care of the young animal. You should only intervene if no adult birds are visible or there is a clear danger, but then do so carefully and thoughtfully. Ideally, you should first contact one of the listed places to determine if professional help is required.

All tips on handling found young birds can be found here.

(Red)

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