What to do With an Injured Bird

So, what to do with an injured or baby bird?

The first thing to do is, Stop and observe it.

•  Can you see any obvious injury? Is there any blood or exposed bone? *
•  Is it on the ground?
•  Does it have all it’s feathers?
• Is it missing all or most of its feathers? *
•  Can it walk or run?
• Is it vocal?
• Does it have its mouth open for food, (gaping?)
• Did you see a predator, or see an attack? *
• Is it covered in parasites? *
• Does it appear drowsy? *
• Has it hit a window? *

A yes, to questions with a star (*) will require human intervention.

Please do

• Observe before attempting a capture
• Call 604-526-7275 (Wildlife Rescue’s Helpline) and leave a message detailing your observations, along with your contact information.
• If you can, take a photo and email it to wildlife@wildliferescue.ca
• If captured, keep the bird in a warm, dark place. Find a quiet place, away from stressors,  such as human voices, pets, to keep it until a volunteer is able to reach you.

For information on how to contain an injured bird, see below.

Do Not

• Do not, hold the bird in your bare hands.
• Do not, keep the bird for more than 24 hours.
• Do not, attempt to fix any injuries or care for the bird without speaking to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first 
• If the bird has hit you window, do not place it on a heating pad

Containing an injured bird

• Use a cardboard box large enough for the bird. For songbirds a shoe box will work well
• Be sure to poke holes in the box
• To calm the bird down, quickly place a sheet, towel, or t-shirt over top the bird, be sure to cover its head 
• Scoop the bird up gently, then place it into the box and loosen the towel to uncover the bird 
• Close and place the box in a warm, dark and quiet place
• To keep stress at a minimum, do not check on or handle the bird 
• Unless directed by Rescue staff, do not give the bird food or water

If dealing with a large bird that has a sharp pointy beak, is a bird of prey, or has

talons that are dangerous. Please call the Wildlife Helpline, as larger birds may

dangerous if approached incorrectly.

Wildlife Rescue Assosiation of BC: 640-526-7275 7 days a week, 10am-4pm

Call the SPCA Vancouver Night Emergency Officer at, 604-879-7343

(available 5pm-12am only,) if the birds situation appears to be critical.

Outside the Metro Vancouver area?

Find a list of wildlife rehabilitators in British Columbia here:

http://www.wrnbc.org/contact/find-a-local-rehabilitator/