Discovering a baby hummingbird can be both exciting and worrying. These tiny birds are among nature’s most delicate, and knowing how to help them is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if you find a baby hummingbird, ensuring you can lend a helping hand safely and responsibly.
Key Takeaways
- Always prioritize the baby hummingbird’s safety and well-being
- Contact a wildlife professional before taking any major action
- In most cases, baby hummingbirds are best left with their parents.
Identifying a Baby Hummingbird
Before you leap into action, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with a baby hummingbird. These tiny birds are often mistaken for insects due to their size. Here’s what to look for:
- Size: Baby hummingbirds are incredibly small, often no bigger than a penny
- Appearance: They have stubby beaks, not yet long and slender like adult hummingbirds
- Feathers: Young hummingbirds may have sparse feathers or appear a bit fuzzy
- Behaviour: They might be chirping loudly or seem unable to fly properly.
Related Post: What Do Baby Hummingbirds Eat?
Assessing the Situation
Once you’ve identified a baby hummingbird, take a moment to assess the situation. Is the bird really in trouble, or are you dealing with a fledgling learning to fly? Here are some scenarios:
- Fallen from the nest: Look around for a nest nearby. It might be in a nearby bush or tree.
- Injured: Check for any visible injuries or if the bird seems weak or lethargic.
- Abandoned: Watch from a distance for about an hour to see if a parent returns.
Remember, it’s normal for fledglings to spend time on the ground as they learn to fly. Parent hummingbirds often leave their babies alone for short periods while foraging for food.
Immediate Actions
If you’ve determined the baby hummingbird needs help, here’s what to do:
- Ensure safety: Keep pets and children away from the area.
- Create a temporary shelter: If the bird is in immediate danger, gently place it in a small box lined with soft cloth. Poke air holes in the box.
- Keep it warm: Place a warm (not hot) water bottle or heat pack wrapped in a towel near the box.
- Don’t feed it: Hummingbirds have very specific dietary needs. Incorrect feeding can be harmful.
Contacting Professionals
The most important step is to contact a wildlife professional. They have the expertise to properly care for baby hummingbirds. Here’s how:
- Search online1 for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or “bird rescue organization [your city]”
- Call your local Audubon Society2 chapter for guidance
- Contact a nearby veterinary clinic for recommendations
When you reach out, be ready to describe the bird’s condition and your location. Follow their instructions carefully.
Dos and Don’ts
When dealing with a baby hummingbird, keep these important points in mind:
Do:
- Handle the bird gently if absolutely necessary
- Keep the bird in a quiet, dark place to reduce stress
- Wash your hands before and after handling the bird.
Don’t:
- Try to feed the bird water, sugar water, or any other food
- Attempt to raise the bird yourself (it’s illegal in many places)
- Keep the bird as a pet (it’s against the law).
When to Intervene vs. When to Leave Alone
It’s crucial to know when a baby hummingbird truly needs your help. Here’s a quick guide:
Intervene if:
- The bird is visibly injured
- It’s in immediate danger from predators or traffic
- You’re certain both parents are dead.
Leave alone if:
- The bird is alert and has feathers
- It’s hopping on the ground but can flutter its wings
- You see parent birds nearby.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a wildlife expert before taking action.
Prevention Tips
Want to help hummingbirds in the long run? Here are some ways to make your yard hummingbird-friendly and reduce risks to their nests:
- Plant native, nectar-rich flowers
- Provide a shallow water source for bathing
- Avoid using pesticides in your garden
- Keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season
- If you have feeders, clean them regularly to prevent disease spread.
Final Thoughts
Encountering a baby hummingbird can be a magical experience, but it’s important to remember that these tiny birds are best cared for by their parents or wildlife professionals. By following this guide, you’re equipped to make the best decisions for the bird’s well-being.
Remember, the goal is always to ensure the baby hummingbird’s safety and, whenever possible, reunite it with its parents. Your compassion, combined with the right knowledge, can make a real difference in giving these incredible little birds the best chance at life.
Have you ever encountered a baby bird in need? How did you handle the situation?
Share your experiences in the comments below – your story might help someone else faced with a similar situation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I do if the baby hummingbird looks injured?
If you notice visible injuries on the baby hummingbird, it’s crucial not to handle the bird yourself unless it’s in immediate danger. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or local veterinarian for proper care. Handling an injured bird without expertise can worsen its condition.
Q: Is it safe to handle the baby hummingbird if it seems weak or lethargic?
While it may be tempting to pick up a weak or lethargic bird, it’s best to limit handling. Baby hummingbirds are very delicate, and unnecessary handling can cause stress. Create a safe, quiet space for the bird and reach out to a wildlife professional for further advice.
Q: How long should I wait before intervening if I think the bird is abandoned?
If the bird appears to be abandoned, observe from a distance for at least an hour to see if the parents return. Hummingbird parents may leave their young for short periods while foraging for food, so patience is key before deciding to intervene.
Q: Can I give the baby hummingbird sugar water or other food?
No, you should never attempt to feed a baby hummingbird, even if it seems hungry. Hummingbirds have very specific dietary needs that are best met by their parents or professionals. Incorrect feeding can harm the bird, so always consult a wildlife expert first.
Q: How can I find a local wildlife rehabilitator quickly?
To find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, search online using terms like “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local Audubon Society chapter. You can also reach out to a nearby veterinary clinic for recommendations or assistance.
Q: Should I use a birdcage to temporarily shelter the baby hummingbird?
No, a small box lined with soft cloth is more suitable for a temporary shelter than a birdcage. Birdcages may have gaps or hazards that could harm the baby hummingbird. Ensure the box has air holes, and keep the bird in a warm, quiet place until help arrives.
Q: How can I keep the baby hummingbird warm without overheating it?
Place a warm (not hot) water bottle or heat pack wrapped in a towel near the bird’s shelter. This provides gentle warmth without the risk of overheating. Avoid placing the bird directly on the heat source, as this could cause burns or excessive heat.
Q: Can I move the baby hummingbird to a different location for safety?
If the bird is in immediate danger from predators, traffic, or other hazards, you may gently move it to a safer location nearby. Make sure it’s placed somewhere sheltered, and continue observing from a distance. If you’re unsure, consult a wildlife professional first.
Q: What should I do if I’m unsure whether the bird needs help?
If you’re uncertain whether the baby hummingbird needs intervention, it’s best to consult a wildlife expert before taking action. They can guide you through the situation based on the bird’s condition, helping you make the best decision for the bird’s well-being.
Q: How can I prevent future harm to hummingbirds in my garden?
To make your garden safer for hummingbirds, plant native, nectar-rich flowers and provide a shallow water source for bathing. Avoid using pesticides and keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season. Regularly cleaning hummingbird feeders will also help prevent disease.
