Help, I’ve found a bird!

I've found/been given a bird that's injured, sick, or acting oddly!
What do I do?

Different situations call for different actions, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you've found a bird, check for the following:

• Drooping wings (if it's a hot day, healthy birds may spread their wings to help cool off)

• Inability to stand on both feet

• Not responsive or reacting to touch or sight

• Lopsided gait

• Bleeding

• Missing a lot of feathers

• Has been caught by a dog or cat

If the bird falls into any of the above, they may be in need of professional attention. Read the Visibly Sick or Injured section for more information.

Visibly Sick or Injured

It's important to note that wild birds, if visibly sick or injured, should be looked after by professional organisations. If you are Victoria-based, this means you should contact Wildlife Victoria, to see if they can help.

If the bird is a Pigeon or Dove, then you can also contact Pigeon Rescue Melbourne.

We recommend taking birds to a veterinary clinic which has knowledgeable avian vets on staff.

A list of qualified avian vets in Melbourne can be found here.

If there is visible bleeding, it can be temporarily stopped by applying some plain flour to the wound. Always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling wild birds. You can keep the bird in a shoebox or cardboard box with small holes cut into it - the dark environment can help them calm down.

If a bird appears to be suffering from heatstroke, do not attempt to force it to drink! You can help keep it cool by making sure it's in the shade, with a small, damp tissue or towel lightly draped over it. Forced drinking can result in water going into their lungs, causing a deadly condition called aspiration pneumonia.

Flown Into a Window

If a bird has flown into a window or collided with another object, check to see if the bird is responsive. Unresponsive but awake birds may be concussed or stunned, and may be kept in a cardboard shoebox with small holes for air. This will help them stay calm while they recover. Check on them occasionally, and you can offer a small, shallow dish of water in the box once they are starting to feel better.

If the bird also has drooping wings, or falls into any of the other categories at the top of the page, follow the steps under Visibly Sick or Injured.

Domesticated Birds

For domesticated (pet) birds, you can contact us to see if we are able to help.

You may also contact us if you have any questions about what to do, or are unsure about any part of the process.