Quick Scoop: If you find an injured bird, the safest move is to keep it calm, warm, and quiet, then contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal rescue as soon as possible. Avoid feeding it or giving water unless a professional tells you to.

What to do first

  1. Check the situation from a distance. Make sure it’s actually injured and not just a young bird that’s learning to fly.
  1. Approach slowly. If you need to pick it up, do so gently from behind and keep its wings folded against its body.
  1. Place it in a box. Use a cardboard box or similar container lined with soft material, and keep the box covered, warm, and in a quiet place.

Safety tips

  • Use gloves or a towel if possible to reduce stress and protect yourself.
  • Do not feed the bird or pour water into its beak, since that can make things worse.
  • Keep pets and people away so the bird stays calm and doesn’t get re-injured.

When to get help

  • Call a wildlife rehabilitator right away if the bird is bleeding, cannot stand, was caught by a cat or dog, or seems weak or cold.
  • If it can fly well , it may not need help, so observe carefully before intervening.
  • If it is a baby bird , it may be normal for it to be on the ground depending on age, so check first before taking it.

Simple example

If you find a sparrow on the sidewalk that cannot fly and lets you get close, gently place it in a covered box with a towel, keep it warm and quiet, and call a local rehabilitator.

If you want, I can also give you a 30-second emergency checklist for handling an injured bird.