Helping Injured Birds of Prey

How to help an injured bird of prey

An injured raptor requires immediate and specialized care and any delay reduces the bird's chances of recovery and subsequent release back into the wild. 

 An injured raptor receiving specialized care from people who are knowledgeable about these species

The World Bird Sanctuary Kathryn G. Favre Wildlife Hospital admits 300-400 birds per year.  We are unable to do pick-ups or rescues due to staffing issues.  We are open to accept birds from 8am to 5pm every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.  We accept all birds of prey (hawks, owls, eagles, vultures, falcons etc.) as well as herons, pelicans and swans.  We do not accept songbirds.

If you find an injured bird of prey, follow these directions to safely capture it for delivery to World Bird Sanctuary:

Before attempting to aid an injured bird of prey, be aware that a raptor's feet and talons are its primary means of defense.   It is also capable of biting with its beak.

Get a towel, blanket, jacket or any other lightweight item large enough to cover the entire bird.

If possible, wear a pair of gardening or welding gloves to protect your hands and arms.

Approach the bird from the rear if possible.  If the bird is alert and can follow your movements it may turn to face you, or flip onto its back with its feet in the air.  Anticipate that it will struggle when first covered.

When close enough, carefully place the cover (jacket, towel, blanket) over the bird, making sure it is completely covered.

Quickly restrain the bird by tightening the covering around the bird.  Scoop the bird and covering up together, and place into a cardboard box, animal carrier or other secure container.  Keep the gloves on and securely hold the bird and covering away from your body to prevent accidental contact with the bird's feet and talons.

Do not remove the covering from the bird unless you are satisfied that you can get the covering off the bird without harming yourself.  The bird may have grasped the covering in its feet – if so, leave the covering in the box with the bird, although not covering the bird.

If it is warm place the box or container in a cool place, as birds can overheat quickly.

Do not attempt to give the bird water or food, as both may complicate the injury, especially an internal one.

Transport the bird to World Bird Sanctuary.  The Wildlife Hospital at World Bird Sanctuary is open for admissions every day from 8am to 5pm.  If you find the bird outside of these hours, keep it in a dark, dry, quiet, and room temperature place until you are able to bring it to World Bird Sanctuary.  Do not give the bird water or food.

If you find a songbird – Cardinal, Bluebird, Blue Jay, etc. – you can call Wild Bird Rehab at 314-426-6400.

 Injured Birds of Prey need a specialized diet

As always, if you are in any doubt and need further guidance, please call our wildlife hospital at 636-861-1392 for more information or advice.  If you cannot reach the hospital staff you may also call 636-861-3225 or 636-225-4390, ext. 0.

Under Federal and State law it is illegal for any person to injure or possess a bird of prey or any related items such as feathers, eggs or a nest.  World Bird Sanctuary is fully licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Missouri to rehabilitate, care for, house and maintain injured raptors.

Submitted by Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager for World Bird Sanctuary