Q&A for How to Care for a Bird

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What should I do if the bird falls out of its nest?

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD

Ornithologist

Expert Answer

It's best to let the bird be; it probably voluntarily left its nest, a natural behavior often prompted by overcrowding or the birds reaching a certain age. While fledglings may not be able to fly yet, their parents remain close by to provide care and nourishment.

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Question

How do I take care of a lost pigeon?

Roger J. Lederer, PhD
Ornithologist
Dr. Roger Lederer is an Ornithologist and the founder of Ornithology.com, an informative website about wild birds. Dr. Lederer has spent over 40 years teaching, studying, and writing about birds. He has traveled to over 100 countries to study birds. Dr. Lederer is an Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences at California State University, Chico, and has been a Department Chair of Biological Sciences and Dean of the College of Natural Sciences. He has written more than 30 research papers and 10 books on birds and a textbook entitled “Ecology and Field Biology.” Dr. Lederer has consulted the BBC, National Geographic, National Public Radio, ABC News, the Guinness Book of World Records, and numerous other organizations and publications.

Roger J. Lederer, PhD

Ornithologist

Expert Answer

Reach out to your nearby wildlife rehabilitation center or contact a local wildlife official for guidance on caring for a lost pigeon, as they will ensure its well-being and potential reunification with its natural habitat.

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Question

I go to school and no one's home until I get home. Every school day takes about 7-8 hours a day. Is this an okay living situation for a bird? Should I consider having someone to help care for the bird?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Provide things to entertain the bird while you're gone and they should be fine. Have a look for some puzzle feeders or make one at home, and these will keep the bird occupied while you're out.

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Question

I have two male birds and one is doing the courtship dance to the other. What is going on?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If it's the true courtship dance (touching beaks and flaring wings) then he may be feeling amorous and practicing his display on the nearest thing to a female budgie! If he's head bobbing, this isn't always courtship behavior but can be a juvenile throwback (a way of asking for food from the adult) or even due to illness such as a brain inflammation or parasites.

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