White Flicker Wild Bird Rehab Clinic, Inc.

"I FOUND A BIRD…"To decide if a bird needs to be rescued, first determine the stage of development, next consider the special needs of a bird at that stage, and finally, evaluate the condition of the bird. If you think the bird needs to be rescued, call a wildlife rehabilitator who is licensed to care for birds. (Go to www.pawr.com for the Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitator nearest you.)

First Determine the developmental stage from the chart below and on the next page


HATCHLING No feathers, sometimes hatch down (soft, fuzzy stuff) Eyes closed Large abdomen Legs tucked up against body, unable to stand. Needs to be in a nest Can't control body temperature -kept warm by parents Fed by parents	NESTLING Partly feathered, some skin showing An order nestling would have short feathers partly wrapped in sheath Eyes open May stand but doesn't perch, generally lying on stomach Needs to be in the nest. Gradually gains control of body temperature as feathers emerge Fed by parents	FLEDGLING Fully feathered Wing and tail feathers are short - not fully grown out Eyes open Stands, hops, perches May be able to fly short distances Has left the nest and, if put back, will leave again More afraid of people than younger birds Still fed by parent
Continue: 2: Click here to see two more stages...

	Determine stage
Page 2	More Determine stage
Page 3	Make observations
Page 4	More observations
Page 5	Final observations
Page 6	Return Bird to Nest or take to a Rehab Expert
Page 7	Renesting
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