Discovering an injured or orphaned raptor requires specialized intervention. Only adults should rescue wildlife. Before rescuing wildlife, seek guidance from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
- Observe from a Distance: Before approaching, watch the animal quietly. Young raptors can fledge from the nest and spend some amount of time on the ground learning to fly. If there is no sign of an adult in the area for a prolonged period of time, that is an idication that they might be abandoned.
- Check for Injuries: Signs that the animal needs help include visible wounds, bleeding, broken limbs, or signs of illness such as lethargy. If the animal shows any of these signs, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. If a raptor is dazed or grounded on the side of a road it may have been struck by a vehicle.
ATTENTION: Raptors can have Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Signs of illness include: head bobbing, balance problems, walking in circles, seizures, and trouble breathing (respiratory issues). These animals should not be touched and should be reported for assistance from a trained professional.
Step 2: Call a wildlife rehabilitator
- Raptors are dangerous to capture and transport. Please call for assistance.
- You can send photos or videos to your local rehabilitation professional who can help identify these birds. Sometimes people often mistake baby pigeons for raptors.
Step 3: When a raptor needs help
- Dazed on the side of the road: Raptors that have been struck by a vehicle may be lethargic on the roadside.
- Broken Limbs: Wing injuries can present as a drooping wing, or a wing dragging on the ground, or not having symmetrical wings. A bird may have a broken leg if it is limping or having trouble walking or standing up.
- Poisoning: Raptors that have been poisoned by Rodenticide could be excessively bleeding, exhibiting some neurological symptoms, and be lethargic. Because some of the symptoms can overlap with the clinical signs of HPAI, please call a licensed rehabilitator.
- Birds that do not fly away: Generally speaking, if you can walk right up to a raptor and it does not fly away you should call a trained wildlife professional.
- Juvenile animals: Some young birds, like juvenile owls appear to be abandoned when they fledge from the nest. If you see a juvenile bird, send a photo or video to a local rehabilitator to see if they are exhibiting natural behavior or they need help.
Step 4: How to Help Safely
RAPTORS ARE DANGEROUS TO CAPTURE. THEY HAVE STRONG, SHARP TALONS AND POWERFUL BEAKS. THESE ANIMALS SHOULD NOT BE CAPTURED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITHOUT CONSULTING WILDLIFE PROFESSIONALS.
- Do Not Feed or Provide Water: Improper feeding can harm the animal. Leave this to professionals.
- Seek Professional Assistance: Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on the next steps.
Understand the life stages of raptors
Raptors—birds of prey like hawks, eagles, and falcons—go through several distinct developmental stages. Recognizing these can help you know when to take action and when to let nature take its course.
Hatchling
A hatchling is a newly hatched raptor—fragile, blind, and completely dependent on its parents.
- Eyes closed
- Covered in sparse, wispy down
- Unable to regulate body temperature or move well
Important: Hatchlings should never be on the ground. If you find one, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Nestling
Nestlings remain in the nest, relying entirely on their parents for warmth, protection, and food.
- Eyes open
- Developing feathers (pin feathers) look like blue or gray tubes emerging from the skin
- Can stretch wings and legs, but cannot fly or leave the nest
Important: Nestlings are not ready to leave the nest. If you find one on the ground, call a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
Fledgling
Fledglings are young raptors that have left the nest but are still learning to fly and hunt.
- Fully feathered but with short wings and tail
- Can hop, perch, and flutter between low branches
- Still dependent on parents, who continue to feed them nearby
Note: Many fledglings are mistakenly "rescued" when they don’t need help. If the bird is alert, feathered, and not in immediate danger, observe from a distance before intervening. It's likely just learning to fly.
Extra Tips
- Do not leave small pets unattended: Raptors eat small animals, which can include very small pets. If you have pet rabbits, guinea pigs, or teacup dogs be mindful of their safety.
- Raptors are protected by law: Federal and State laws protect raptors. Do not disturb nests or birds. Raptors can come into care after being shot, which can also mean that nestlings are orphaned.
- Observe Quietly: If you're unsure whether a juvenile bird is truly orphaned, watch from a hidden spot for at least an hour to see if the parents return.
- Raptors are nature’s rodent control: Encouraging raptors with owl boxes and high perches can help control rodent populations and provide natural pest control.
By understanding and respecting the natural behaviors of wildlife, you can make informed decisions that support the well-being of these animals and ensure their successful return to the wild.
