Help - I found a bird!

Wild Bird Rehabilitation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Our mission is to give the best possible care to injured, sick and orphaned wild birds so that they may be returned to their natural habitat.

WBR is the only organization in the St. Louis area that cares for songbirds. Without us, these birds would have no place to go for help. 

WBR relies solely on public donations. We receive no federal funding or financial support from United Way or other similar organizations. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

What to do if you find a bird

This information is to help you identify the problem, not necessarily resolve it. It is always our goal to avoid separating a bird from its family and/or native habitat. But in some cases this cannot be avoided. If the bird is sick or injured (such as bleeding, broken wing, etc.) it will always be necessary to bring the bird to Wild Bird Rehabilitation for treatment.

Contact us to discuss your specific situation: 314.426.6400

Not in Missouri?

Visit the National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association or Animal Help Now to find a resource near you.

If you need to transport a bird to our clinic:

  • A shoe box with air holes in the lid and lined with a small paper towel works for most songbirds

  • Do not give the bird food or water

  • Handle the bird as little as possible

WBR does not pick-up, patrol or dispatch volunteers or staff to locations.

FOUND A BABY BIRD:

Wild birds live among us in our gardens and parks. Sometimes they need our help and sometimes they don’t.  How do you tell?

FOUND A BIRD TANGLED:

  • If the bird is caught in something such as twine or string or some type of garden mesh that restricts its ability to move and fly, have someone assist you while you free the bird.

  • Please call us to discuss the next steps

FOUND ADULT BIRD WITH WING INJURY:

  • If bird allows you to catch it and does not attempt to fly away

    • Place the bird in a small box with a lid or a brown paper bag that can be fastened at the top. Line with paper towels.

  • Please call us to discuss the next steps

FOUND A BIRD COATED IN OIL, GLUE OR OTHER STICKY SUBSTANCE:

  • Use a small amount of corn meal to neutralize the sticky surface and to help avoid further injury

  • Please call us to discuss the next steps

FOUND A BIRD EGG:

  • If the egg was knocked out of a nest by wind:

    • If you are able to locate the nest, gently replace the egg

    • If you are unable to locate the nest, place the egg under a small shrub or bush

    • Do not try to incubate. It is against the law.

FOUND BIRD CAUGHT IN HOUSE:

  • Lock all pets away

  • Darken room by closing blinds, shades and doors

  • Leave open one exit -- large, bright and sunny -- for the bird to safely fly out

  • If the above attempts are unsuccessful, call WBR at 314-426-6400 to get contact information for humane licensed wildlife control companies

OTHER GENERAL BIRD NEEDS:

  • Please call us to discuss the following:

    • If a feathered bird allows you to pick it up

    • If a bird is fluffed and lethargic

    • If a bird flies a short distance and falls to the ground