Songbird

A songbird's nest, depending on the species and habitat, may be in the branches of a tree or shrub, in a tree cavity, in a birdhouse, on an artificial structure like a porch light or even on the ground. Most songbirds incubate their eggs for about two weeks. Once the eggs hatch, the featherless "nestlings" remain in the nest for about two weeks and are completely dependent on the parents for warmth and food. Young songbirds leave the nest ("fledge") before their flight feathers are fully developed and cannot fly for several days.

After leaving the nest they are referred to as "fledglings." They will hop around on the ground and make short, low-level practice flights, building their strength and coordination as they gradually learn to forage for food.

Tip: It is a myth that parents won't return to care for a young bird if humans have touched it. If you find an uninjured bird that is featherless or with only a few small feathers, or if it's unable to hop from one spot, it probably needs to be placed back into its nest.

If the nest has been destroyed, an artificial nest can often be created with a clean, empty plastic container like a margarine tub. Make sure the container has drainage holes on the bottom and line it with a thick layer of dried grasses or fine twigs for cushioning and insulation. Secure the new nest as close as possible to the original nest location. Watch from a distance for at least one hour to see if the parents find the nestling in the new nest. Unless a parent bird does not return to resume care for the nestling within one hour, it should be left alone.

If you find a fledgling, keep cats, dogs and people away from it and watch from a location where the parent birds cannot see you to see if the parents are still tending to it. When a parent bird returns it may just stop by for a moment to stuff some food in the fledgling's mouth and take off again right away to find more food. Unless the parents do not return within one hour, they should be left alone.