What To Do If You Find An Injured Bird

Call the Center for Birds of Prey at 843.971.7474 and press option #2 for the Injured Bird Line. We answer this line from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the week. We will guide you through the following steps, depending on your particular situation.

Carefully catch the bird.
Use a pair of protective gloves—while not typically aggressive, even a weak bird will be defensive. Approach the bird very slowly and from the front and carefully pick it up, taking care to secure the legs and talons and to fold the wings against the body in their normal position. Alternatively, you may approach from behind and cover the bird with a towel, blanket, or jacket, and then pick it up as described.

Place the bird in a sturdy cardboard box.
Ideally, the box should be just slightly larger than the bird, with ventilation and a blanket or towel placed in the bottom. Interlock the box flaps and cover the box with a towel or blanket. Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place away from disturbance from radio, TV, children, pets, etc. Do not disturb the bird once placed inside the box.

Do not offer food or water to the bird.
The bird may not be strong enough to process solid food, even if it appears hungry; feeding could harm or even be fatal to the bird. Having food in its system may also preclude certain medical procedures that the bird may need.

Injured raptors require specialized treatment and care from a Federally-licensed, experienced practitioner. It is illegal to possess any migratory bird without state and federal permits. However, your temporary assistance is allowed in helping an injured bird reach proper care and doing so ensures its best chance for recovery and return to its natural environment.