Quck answer
No, it is a myth that birds will abandon their young if humans disturb the nest. While some birds may temporarily leave the nest or show signs of distress, they will usually return to care for their young once the disturbance has passed. However, it is important to minimize disturbances to nesting birds to avoid causing unnecessary stress and potentially harmful effects. It is recommended to observe nesting birds from a safe distance and avoid approaching the nest unless absolutely necessary.
Some people believe that if they touch a baby bird, the mother will abandon it. However, this is not entirely true. Birds do not have a great sense of smell, and only a few birds have an adaptation that signals them to certain scents. Therefore, a human’s scent will not mark a baby bird for abandonment.
If you find a baby bird that has fallen out of its nest and does not have fledgling feathers, it is reasonable to gently deposit it back home. This action will not leave a human scent on the bird, and the parents might still return to care for their young.
Whether birds abandon their young after humans disturb their nests is a more complicated matter. The answer depends on the bird species and the individual situation. For example, a hawk might be more willing to abandon its young if it senses a predator attack, while a robin might not see the same risk in a disturbed nest.
Overall, birds are like most other animals and are invested in caring for their young. While there may be exceptions, it is unlikely that a mother bird will abandon her young due to human disturbance.
Additional Information Available
Related Articles
- Is there a definite connection between birds and dinosaurs?
- 10 Unusual Facts About Animals You Didn’t Know
- 10 Real Creatures That Seem Imaginary
- 10 Animal Kingdom Superpowers
- 10 Surprising Behaviors in Animals
Sources
- Boyd, Robynne. “Fact or Fiction?: Birds (and Other Critters) Abandon Their Young at the Slightest Human Touch.” Scientific American. July 26, 2007. (Oct. 16, 2014) http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-birds-abandon-young-at-human-touch/
- Gavin, Tom. “Does Touching a Bird’s Nest Cause the Female to Abandon It?” Life at Dr. Tom’s. May 9, 2010. (Oct. 16, 2014) http://lifeatdrtoms.blogspot.com/2010/05/does-touching-birds-nest-cause-female.html
- Sweetbriar Nature Center. “You Found a Baby Wild Animal — What Should You Do?” 2014. (Oct. 16, 2014) http://sweetbriarnc.org.aven.arvixe.com/?page_id=85
- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Baby Birds.” Cornell University. 2007. (Oct. 16, 2014) http://www.birds.cornell.edu/allaboutbirds/faq/master_folder/baby_bird/document_view
FAQ
1. Is it true that birds abandon their young if humans disturb the nest?
No, it’s a common misconception. Most bird species won’t abandon their young just because humans are near the nest.
2. What are some reasons why a bird might abandon its young?
Birds may abandon their young if they are sick, injured, or if there isn’t enough food to go around.
3. Are there any bird species that might be more likely to abandon their young?
There are some bird species that are more skittish than others, such as ground-nesting birds. These species might be more likely to abandon their young if they feel threatened.
4. If I accidentally touch a bird’s nest, will the parents abandon their young?
No, a brief disturbance is unlikely to cause the parents to abandon their young.
5. What should I do if I find a baby bird outside of its nest?
If the bird isn’t injured, try to put it back in the nest. If you can’t find the nest, or if the bird is injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.
6. Can a bird smell a human’s scent and abandon its young because of it?
No, birds don’t have a strong sense of smell like humans do.
7. What can I do to avoid disturbing a bird’s nest?
Avoid getting too close to the nest, and keep loud noises to a minimum. If you notice that a bird is getting agitated, back away slowly.
8. What should I do if I see a bird nest in a dangerous location, such as on a busy road?
If it’s safe to do so, you can try to move the nest to a safer location nearby. However, it’s important to remember that moving a nest is risky and should only be done as a last resort.
9. Do birds recognize their young by sight or by smell?
Most birds recognize their young by sight and sound, not by smell.
10. How long do birds typically care for their young?
This varies by species, but most birds care for their young until they are able to fly and fend for themselves.
11. What should I do if I find a bird nest that has fallen out of a tree?
If the eggs or nestlings are unharmed, you can try to put the nest back in the tree. If the nest is damaged or the birds are injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for help.
12. Is it legal to disturb a bird’s nest?
It depends on the species and the situation. In many countries, it is illegal to disturb or harm bird nests, eggs, or young. Check with your local wildlife agency for more information.
Leave a Reply