“Birdnapping happens when someone sees a young bird on the ground, assumes it's injured or orphaned, and removes it from the area — inadvertently separating it from its family,” Wildlife Victoria's Emergency Response Service head Oscar Formoso said.
“It's particularly common in spring, when many of our native species are raising their young.”
In spring 2025, Wildlife Victoria received more than 4000 reports involving fledgling birds, with fewer than half requiring rescue.
This disparity diverts valuable time and resources from wildlife that genuinely need help, placing additional pressure on Wildlife Victoria's already stretched volunteer network.
Understanding the different development stages of bird species is key to knowing when intervention is genuinely required:
- Hatchlings are newly hatched baby birds with pink skin and no to few feathers.
- Nestlings are still developing their feathers and are not yet ready to fly.
- Fledglings are almost fully feathered, often with fluffy feathers and shorter tails.
While hatchlings and nestlings found outside the nest generally need assistance, for fledglings, it's a normal part of development.
Spotted a bird on the ground? Here's what you need to know:
It's running or hopping: This is common fledgling behaviour and helps them build the strength and coordination they need to fly. If the bird appears weak, injured, or unable to move normally, it may need help.
It's perched on a low branch: Some young bird species, including noisy miners, honeyeaters and wattle birds, spend time on low branches while learning to fly.
It's bright, alert, and watching you: Healthy fledglings are generally alert, with their eyes open and responsive to their surroundings. A bird that appears weak, has closed eyes or remains unusually still may need assistance.
Its parents are nearby: Parents leave young to forage for food, but return regularly to feed them. If a fledgling appears healthy and alert, observe it from a distance for a few hours to see whether its parents return.
Some important exceptions include tawny frogmouths, who cannot fledge from the ground, and cockatoos and galahs that nest in tree hollows.
If you are unsure whether a bird is in need, phone Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service on 03 8400 7300.
