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How to help an injured or fallen bird

Last reviewed: 28 October 2026

Injured birds, and birds caught in kite string, die of shock easily. A warm, dark and quiet place is the best first aid.

What to do

  1. Cover the bird gently with a soft cloth and place it in a cardboard box with air holes.
  2. Keep the box in a quiet, shaded place, away from pets and children.
  3. If the bird is caught in string, cut the string near the bird with blunt scissors. Leave tight loops for a rescuer or vet.
  4. Contact a bird rescue centre or an animal helpline.

What not to do

  • Do not pour water into its beak. It can choke.
  • Do not keep checking on it or handle it again and again.
  • Do not try to make it fly.

Next steps

A healthy baby bird with feathers on the ground may be learning to fly, and its parents are often nearby. Watch from a distance before you pick it up.

Report an animal that needs help Find an animal helpline

This guide is general safety advice, not veterinary treatment. Always contact a vet or an animal helpline as soon as you can.

For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.

Other guides

How to report an animal that needs help

  1. Step 1: Open the report form

    Choose “Report an animal”. You do not need an account, and it takes about a minute.

  2. Step 2: Add 1 to 3 photos

    A clear photo helps rescuers find the animal. Location data inside the photo is removed.

  3. Step 3: Add the location

    Use your current location, or type an address or landmark such as a bus stand or main road. Do not enter your home address.

  4. Step 4: Describe what you saw

    Choose the animal and how urgent it is, and write one line of up to 140 characters. Your name, mobile and email are optional and are seen only by helpers who accept the case and our team.

  5. Step 5: Save your tracking link

    After sending, you get a reference number and a private tracking link. Anyone with the link can see the case, so share it only with people you trust.

Safety tips

  • Volunteers on this platform are not a government service. In an emergency, also call a local animal helpline.
  • For snakes, monkeys and other wild animals, keep a safe distance and call the forest department.

What happens next

  • Nearby rescuers and volunteers can see your report straight away.
  • When someone accepts the case, it shows on your tracking page. If you add your email and later sign up with it, you can save the report to your account.