Prepare a small box
Use a ventilated cardboard box with a secure lid. Line the bottom with paper towel or a smooth, tightly woven cloth. Avoid wire cages and towels with loose loops that can catch tiny toes.
Native bird rescue
Found an injured songbird?
Robins, sparrows, finches, warblers, swallows, and other native birds need the same licensed care as larger wildlife—but a much gentler approach to capture and transport.
Call 715-623-4015
Songbirds include more than small backyard birds—crows belong to the same diverse order.
First: adult or youngster?
A fully feathered young bird hopping on the ground may be a healthy fledgling still cared for by its parents. If you are unsure, use the baby-bird guide before intervening.
Safe containment
Small bird. Small box. Very little handling.
The goal is not to treat the bird at home. It is to prevent further injury and stress while arranging licensed care.
Cover and gently scoop
Dim the room when possible. Place a light cloth over the bird and gently scoop it into the box. Never squeeze the chest—birds must move their breastbone freely to breathe.
Keep quiet, dark, and warm
Close the box and place it away from children, pets, music, and activity. Do not offer food, water, medicine, or attempt to clean wounds unless REGI instructs you to do so.
Call before transport
Contact REGI with the species if known, condition, exact found location, and cause of injury. Keep the box level and secure inside the temperature-controlled passenger area of your vehicle—not the trunk or an open truck bed.
Needs professional care
Call REGI when any of these are true.
Cat bites and scratches are especially dangerous because bacteria can cause a fatal infection even when the bird appears alert.
- Any contact with a cat, even when no puncture wound is visible
- Bleeding, a drooping wing, inability to stand, or obvious fracture
- Closed eyes, labored breathing, weakness, or failure to fly away
- Oil, glue, fishing line, netting, or another substance on the feathers
- A window strike that does not resolve promptly in a quiet, protected box
Please do not
Good intentions can complicate recovery.
Do not feed or give water. An injured bird can aspirate, and the wrong diet can cause additional harm.
Do not keep checking the box. Darkness and quiet reduce shock; repeated handling adds stress.
Do not attempt home rehabilitation. Native birds are protected and require species-specific care from a licensed rehabilitator.
Do not handle larger corvids or unfamiliar birds if you feel unsafe. Keep the area protected and call REGI for direction.
When in doubt, call
A quick conversation can prevent the wrong rescue.
Call the REGI clinic
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily · 715-623-4015