If a young bird has been found on the ground during the spring and summer fledgling season, then the bird may well be a fledgling that has just left the nest and is still learning to fly. If you think the bird may be a fledgling, then please refer to the RSPCA's fledgling faq.

An injured bird will need veterinary assistance and then care by someone who is experienced in the specialist care needed to rehabilitate the animal for release. So contact the RSPCA 24-hour Cruelty and Advice line 0300 1234 999 to get more advice. Alternatively, if the injured bird has already been contained in a closed, but ventilated box the bird should be taken directly to a local veterinary surgery for assessment and treatment. Placing the bird into a darkened box can help to reduce stress and will contain the bird in a confined area to reduce the risk of further injury.

Caring for any sick or injured animal involves considerable time, expertise and patience to give the casualty the best chance of survival for release back to the wild. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to take a wild bird into captivity, with a few exceptions, such as when the intention is to temporarily care for a sick or injured bird until the bird is fit for release. In case of Schedule 4 birds, the 'rehabilitator' must also notify Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to register the bird or pass it to a licensed person.