Found a
Wild Bird?

If you’ve found a wild bird that appears injured, sick, or orphaned, the best place for them is with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Little Beaks specialises in companion birds such as budgies, canaries, finches, and small parrots.
We are not licensed to rehabilitate native wildlife.

Wild birds require specialised care, permits, and facilities that wildlife carers are trained to provide.

If you find a wild bird, the following guide should help.

First: Check if the bird really needs help.

Not all birds on the ground are abandoned.

Many young birds leave the nest before they can fully fly. Their parents may still be nearby feeding them.

If you are concerned about a wild bird please call the Wildcare Helpline on 94749055 or your local wildlife hospital for advice.

If the bird is injured, bleeding, unable to stand, or in immediate danger:
1. Gently place the bird in a ventilated box lined with a towel.
2. Keep the box somewhere warm, quiet, and dark.
3. Do not offer food or water.

Then take to a vet or contact a licensed wildlife carer as soon as possible.

Wildlife rescue contacts (Western Australia)

If you are in Western Australia, these organisations can help:
- Perth Wildlife Hospital
- Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- WA Wildlife (Their guide for if you find an injured animal)
- Wildcare Helpline – (08) 9474 9055

What if the bird is a lost pet?

Some birds found outdoors are escaped companion birds, especially:
- Budgies
- Cockatiels
- Lovebirds
- Canaries

If the bird appears tame or is one of these species, it may be someone’s pet. In this case, if you are able, contain the bird in a ventilated box or enclosure, away from other birds and safe from other animals.

Lost companion birds are likely to be stressed and can easily mask illness. It is best and safest for the bird to take them to a vet clinic who will assess the bird and look for their owner, or arrange placement with a foster carer.

In the past, we’ve had people reluctant to take birds to vets, due to concern over being charged. Vets do not charge for taking a found bird in, so please don’t let this stop you.

Thank you for looking out for found and wild birds.

If there’s any organisations missing here that should be added, please contact us.

We will be updating this list to include organisations/hospitals around Australia, and progressively international.