The most common reason for finding an injured adult bird is a collision with glass. Through our Project Safe Flight collisions research, we estimate that up to 230,000 birds collide with glass each year in New York City. With your help, some window collision victims can survive. If you find an injured bird, please follow the steps below to help save them.   

If you see an adult bird on the sidewalk with its eyes closed and/or not moving, the bird likely hit a window and is stunned. The following are characteristics of an adult bird in need of help:

Any soft breathable container can do in an emergency, but small unwaxed paper bags and cloth tote bags are great for securing birds and easy to bring along with you. Whatever you use, the container should be ventilated but the bird should not be able to see out, and the container should be securely closed (for instance with binder clips), so that the bird cannot escape. If you do not have a suitable container on hand, you can pick the bird up and carry it in your hands to a nearby store to ask for a paper bag. Do not use a wire cage. And do not attempt to give the bird food or water.

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Approach the bird slowly and quietly from behind, pointed away from traffic, so as to not scare it. Do not talk to the bird as you walk toward it. Wild birds are frightened of humans and will try to escape, often flying back into glass or into the street. 

Gently but firmly grab the bird by putting one or two hands over its wings; put it into an unwaxed paper bag, cloth tote bag, or box. Make sure you close the container completely: do not leave the top open, because the bird might try to escape as it begins to come to its senses (even though it likely still needs more help).

Once the bird is contained, place the container in a dark, quiet place and bring it to the Wild Bird Fund as soon as possible. Again, do not try to force feed or give water to the bird. The Wild Bird Fund is located at:

Wild Bird Fund
565 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 11024 (Google Map).

The Wild Bird Fund is open seven days a week, from 9 AM to 7 PM. There is no need to call before dropping off a bird. You can call them at 646.306.2862 and leave a voicemail if you need further advice. The Wild Bird Fund is the only wild bird rehabilitation center in New York City and provides by far the best chance for the bird to survive.

If you absolutely cannot get to the Wild Bird Fund, certain Animal Hospitals located in other parts of the city may be able to take in the bird.   

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Except for cases concerning a large bird or a bird of prey, please first make sure the bird is contained in a bag or box. Keep the bird safe with you; do not leave it in the street. If you do not have a suitable container on hand, you can pick the bird up and carry it in your hand to a nearby store to ask for a paper bag. Once the bird if securely contained, if you are unable to transport the bird to the Wild Bird Fund or an Animal Hospital, contact NYC Audubon at injuredbird@nycaudubon.org. In your email please include all of the following information:

We can ask a volunteer group if anyone is able to go to your location; if someone can, they will contact you to arrange a pickup, and will take the bird to the Wild Bird Fund. 

However, please know that you might not receive a response today, and that it is not always possible for a volunteer to help, especially for more distant locations or in busy months in the spring and fall. You or a friend are likely this bird’s best chance to get help.