Rescue and Rehabilitation of Wild Birds

Thousands of wild birds are brought into rescue care each year in the UK, with outcomes depending heavily on species, injury type, and the quality of rehabilitative care available.

Key Facts

The RSPCA receives over 100,000 wildlife casualties annually, many of them birds
Common causes include cat attacks, window strikes, vehicle collisions, and oil contamination
Window strikes kill an estimated 100 million birds in the UK each year
Cat-caught birds have high rates of septicaemia from bacteria even without visible wounds
Oil-contaminated seabirds have low survival rates even with treatment
Songbirds have poorer rehabilitation success rates than raptors
The BWRC maintains standards for wildlife rehabilitation in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Wild bird rehabilitation requires species-specific expertise. Many well-intentioned rescues cause suffering through inappropriate handling, diet, or housing. Songbirds in particular are highly stressed by human contact and may die from capture myopathy. The decision to attempt rehabilitation versus euthanasia must weigh likely outcomes against prolonged suffering in care. For many common species with severe injuries, compassionate euthanasia is the most welfare-positive option.

What You Can Do

If you find an injured bird, call the RSPCA or a local wildlife rehabilitator before intervening
Apply window stickers or external films to reduce bird strikes
Keep cats indoors during dawn and dusk peak bird activity
Support your local wildlife hospital through donation or volunteering
Learn basic bird rescue techniques from accredited sources