I found a baby Starling Songbird! please help!?

Question

I was at a party at a park, and my niece found a little bird. I've checked on the internet, and by their descriptions i think its a fledgling Starling Songbird.

All the little kids were touching it and passing it around until i got it and kept it warm with my sweater. All the adults there were telling me that the parents weren't going to except it anymore because they would smell like "human."

I couldn't find a nest, so i took it home. i didn't want the parents to kill it, but now i read on the interent that thats not true.

So now i don't know what to do. They say its best to take it back to where it was found, but my parents don't want to take me because they say its too far away to go back.

I was scared because it didn't want to eat.

At the park it ate (about 4 hours ago), then it barely ate right now.

But it seems like it doesn't really like me.

I feel so bad because if it dies its my fault!

Answer 1

if you want to make sure it is safe, take it to the local SPCA, i have taken many baby birds there and they do all they can to rehabilitate him.

Answer 2

Starlings are exotic non-native invasive species in North America.  They are not protected by any laws.  You may do what you want with that bird.

Answer 3

Yes, take it back tomorrow.  It will sleep for the night if you put it in a quiet dark place.  If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly.   You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it.  If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest.  Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched.  If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival.  Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own if it is not a starling.  Native birds are protected by law but starlings are non-natives.  Look for a rehab here:

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