Posted by Georgann Thompson on May 30, 2006

Q: Found baby sparrow in middle of road. Right wing is bent in a more over the back than the left. Does not fly - hops.

What can I feed until I C if it will eventually fly and can be released. Has some down feathers on head - parent bird(s) did not put up a squawk when I picked it up off the street.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Pennsylvania

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: My guess is that your baby is really just a fledgling and although it shouldn't be in the road, will do just fine off to the side. I'd strongly recommend taking it back to where you found it and release it off to the side so the parents can return to feed. It will do lots of cheeping when it gets hungry and the parents will home in on that. Although you've touched the baby, don't worry as the parents won't be affected by the "smell of humans". I know you're trying to do the right thing with this little guy but believe me, it will be much better with its parents caring for it. It's not clear whether the one wing is damaged or not from your question. If the wing is really broken, then this is another matter but I'm guessing it was simply holding its wing a bit differently on the one side. Best of luck to you and feel free to get back to me if you need to.

John Wiessinger ( May 30, 2006)

A: Georgann, The bird sounds like a fledgling because it has its feathers (with down on its head) and the parents are nearby. They're stay close to feed it and to protect it from predators. This is that period of time that the baby is learning to fly and fend for itself. It hops to get around and sometimes practices flying by running with its wings open.

The best thing for the bird is to release back where you found it and let nature take its course. Let's hope the bird is not permanently injured and the wing behavior you described is only temporary. Thanks for being so concerned and so compassionate for this needy animal. Good luck.

Jim Berry ( May 30, 2006)