What to do if you find a nestling on the ground?

What to do if you find a nestling on the ground?

In spring, young birds sometimes leave the nest before they can fly. Even on the ground, they are rarely abandoned: their parents usually continue to feed them.

Don’t pick them up automatically! Before intervening, ask yourself:

• Is the bird injured?

• Is it in immediate danger?

• Is it truly alone?

Case 1: Fully feathered nestling

➡️ It’s hopping on the ground but not yet flying — it’s close to nestling.

➡️ Leave it where it is. If the area is dangerous (road, cats, etc.), move it nearby to a safe spot such as a branch, low wall, hedge, or bush.

Case 2: Partially feathered or downy chick

➡️ If possible, place it back in its nest.

➡️ If the nest is destroyed or can’t be found, create a makeshift one using a small box and place it near where you found the chick.

Case 3: Naked chick (less than a week old)

➡️ Return it to the nest immediately.

➡️ If the nest is unreachable, place the chick in a box with a warm water bottle and contact a licensed wildlife rescue center as soon as possible.

👉 Touching a chick will not cause its parents to abandon it.

You can also contact:

• LPO (Bird Protection League): +33 4 65 09 02 20

• TOTEM Association (wildlife in general – PACA region): +33 4 83 65 02 79

LPO Poster available for download to help prevent unnecessary rescues:

Poster LPO