Most baby birds are tiny creatures with almost no capacity to fend for themselves. Like human infants, baby birds depend on their parents for everything from feeding to protecting them from common predators and weather elements.
Baby birds are safe and secure in the rain when they are in their nests with one or both parents protecting them. However, hatchlings and nestlings are not safe and secure in the rain beyond their nests. Only fledglings are conditionally safe and secure in the wild.
Baby Birds Are Safe and Secure in Their Nests in the Rain
Adult birds begin nesting at the onset of the breeding season, and all wild species select a suitable nesting site in their breeding range, such as:
- Crevices
- Dense foliage
- Shrubs
- Tree branches
- Tree cavities
- Vegetation
The nesting site isn’t always a natural habitat. Many birds are known to nest in structures made by people, such as:
- Barns
- Holes in walls
- Roofs
Irrespective of the type of nesting site a species selects, the nest is reasonably sheltered from the elements.
Here are a few examples:
- Cavities or tree holes are naturally a safe refuge for birds to build their nests.
- Crevices, such as those on cliffs, protect the nests from weather elements.
- Dense and leafy foliages of shrubs and trees protect the nests from rain and wind.
- Holes in buildings or walls and sheltered spaces on rooftops are secure sites.
Therefore, baby birds have reasonable protection from rain by virtue of the nesting site and the nest itself.
Plus, the parents tuck the hatchlings or nestlings under their breasts and protect the baby birds with their bodies and wings.
Adult and baby birds also cuddle for warmth.
Nestlings Are Not Safe or Secure in the Wild, Regardless of Rain
While baby birds are fine in the rain if they are in their nests with one or both parents protecting them, hatchlings and nestlings are not safe or secure in the wild.
Hatchlings are newborn baby birds, barely a couple of days old. Nestlings, however, are a bit older but still dependent on their parents.
Neither hatchlings nor nestlings have the feathers to protect them from rain or water.
Adult birds have a few natural features to protect them from inclement weather, including the following:
- Waterproof contour feathers, repelling rainwater.
- Fully developed down feathers, trapping body heat.
- Completely formed semiplume, serving as insulation.
Hatchlings don’t have any of these protective features, as they are naked with bare skin and no down, plume, or feathers.
Nestlings may have some barely noticeable feathers or down, depending on how old they are.
But none of these physical characteristics are fully formed in nestlings to offer any protection from rain or cold.
Therefore, both hatchlings and nestlings won’t survive in the rain beyond the nest. And there are predators in the wild.
So, even if hatchlings and nestlings endure a bit of rain outside their nests or in the wild, the baby birds may immediately become the next meal of the nearest predator.
Fledglings Are Conditionally Safe in the Rain Beyond Their Nests
Fledglings are older than nestlings with partially developed down and feathers and are likely to be safe in the rain beyond their nests unless it is hurt or incapacitated in any way.
Baby birds in the fledgling phase should be able to find some shelter during the rain to be safe.
Fledglings may be fine in dense bushes or under shrubs. However, some fledglings find their way to trees with canopies large enough to protect them from rain.
Also, it isn’t unusual for fledglings to look for refuge made by people, such as:
- Backyard sheds
- Balconies
- Decks
- Patios
The safety of fledgling baby birds in the rain is conditional as their survival chances depend on their capabilities and current state.
Here are a few reasons:
- Fledglings with bodily injuries or physical infirmities may not be able to find refuge in time when it rains, and they are unlikely to survive prolonged inclement weather.
- A fledgling baby bird is yet to become a seasoned flier, so it can’t just fly anywhere that is a safe place in the rain.
- A small fledgling is not strong or sturdy enough to endure a torrential downpour and strong wind, so it’s unlikely to survive if it’s out in the open without any shelter.
- A fledgling may not be able to use the uropygial gland’s oleaginous secretion or preen oil and spread it all over its down and feathers, so its body may not be completely waterproof.
Adult birds use their heads and beaks to spread the preen oil from the gland to their feathers and all over their bodies.
This oil maintains or sustains the waterproofing of their feathers. Very young fledglings that aren’t supposed to be out of their nests may not be ready for preening.
How To Keep Baby Birds Safe and Secure in the Rain
You should allow a healthy and moving fledgling to be on its own. Fledglings are supposed to be in the wild after their first flight, irrespective of rain.
But hatchlings and nestlings should be back in their nest or in a safe place, which is also regardless of rain and other factors.
The only instance when you should intervene in the case of a fledgling is if it is hurt or there’s a predator nearby.
For hatchlings and nestlings, you must intervene immediately to save the baby birds.
Here are a few ways to keep baby birds safe and secure in the rain:
- Return a hatchling or nestling to its nest if you can find the site.
- Check if at least one parent is at the nest or returns for the babies.
- Use a nest box to keep the baby bird safe and call for help.
- You may also use a nest box for an injured or at-risk fledgling.
- Don’t feed hatchlings and nestlings unless you are trained.
- Keep the rescued baby birds warm in a ventilated nest box.
- Contact your local wild birds or wildlife rehabilitation center.
You can use any appropriate box, whether cardboard or plastic, as a nest for a rescued baby bird. Ideally, you should use a clean and disinfected bedding material.
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