Understanding Bird Behavior: Do Birds Have a Sense of Smell and What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird
- For The Birds
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Birds are fascinating creatures with behaviors that often spark curiosity and questions. Two common topics that many bird enthusiasts and casual observers wonder about are whether birds have a sense of smell and what to do if they find a baby bird. These questions touch on important aspects of bird biology and conservation. This post explores scientific findings about birds’ sense of smell, debunks myths about baby birds being abandoned if touched by humans, and offers practical advice on how to respond if you encounter a young bird in need.
Do Birds Have a Sense of Smell?
For a long time, scientists believed that birds had a poor or nonexistent sense of smell. This assumption came from the fact that many birds rely heavily on sight and hearing. However, recent research has shown that many bird species do have a well-developed sense of smell, and some depend on it for survival.
Scientific Findings on Avian Olfaction
Studies have revealed that birds possess olfactory bulbs in their brains, which process smells. The size of these bulbs varies among species, often reflecting how much they rely on scent. For example:
Vultures use their keen sense of smell to locate carrion from great distances.
Petrels and albatrosses detect odors over the ocean to find food and their nesting sites.
Kiwi birds in New Zealand use smell to forage for insects underground.
Research published in journals like Science and Nature confirms that olfaction plays a critical role in navigation, foraging, and even social interactions for many birds.
Examples of Birds That Rely on Smell
Turkey Vultures have large olfactory bulbs and can detect the scent of decaying animals from miles away.
Procellariiformes (a group including petrels and shearwaters) use smell to find food and recognize their nesting burrows.
Kiwis have nostrils at the tip of their beaks, which helps them sniff out prey in the soil.
These examples show that the sense of smell is more widespread and important in birds than previously thought.
The Myth About Birds Abandoning Their Babies if Touched by Humans
A widespread belief is that if a human touches a baby bird, the parents will abandon it due to the unfamiliar scent. This myth has discouraged many people from helping young birds in distress.
What Experts Say
Ornithologists and wildlife experts agree that this is largely untrue. Most birds have a limited sense of smell when it comes to recognizing their chicks. They rely more on sight and sound to identify their young. Parents typically continue to care for their babies even if humans have touched them.
Why the Myth Persists
The myth likely arose from a desire to discourage unnecessary human interference with wildlife. While well-intentioned, it has caused confusion and sometimes prevented people from helping birds that truly need assistance.
Why You Should Avoid Touching Baby Birds Without Gloves
Even though touching a baby bird does not usually cause abandonment, it is still important to avoid handling them unnecessarily, especially without gloves. Here’s why:
Disease transmission: Humans can carry bacteria or viruses that may harm the bird.
Stress to the bird: Handling can cause stress, which affects the bird’s health.
Injury risk: Baby birds are fragile and can be injured by improper handling.
If you must handle a bird, wearing disposable gloves reduces the risk of transmitting diseases and protects both you and the bird.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird
Finding a baby bird can be a heartwarming but challenging situation. Here are steps to take:
Observe first
Determine if the bird is a nestling (bare or few feathers, unable to hop or fly) or a fledgling (fully feathered, hopping or fluttering). Some species, like swallows, bluebirds, and purple martins, do not spend time on the ground when fledglings and need help if you find one on the ground. Other species, like mockingbirds, blue jays, and cardinals, when fledglings, often leave the nest and may spend some time hopping on the ground or in low branches as part of learning to fly and may not need help. If you're not sure, call a permitted avian rehabilitator to determine the best course of action.
Look for the nest
If the bird is a nestling and the nest is nearby and intact, gently place the bird back in the nest. Parents will continue to care for it.
Avoid unnecessary handling
If you need to contain the bird, gently use a towel to drape over it for easier capture. Wear gloves and carefully place the bird in a soft, towel-lined box with holes in the lid.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator
If the bird is injured, cold, or clearly abandoned, contact a state and federally permitted avian wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. These experts have the training and resources to care for wild birds properly.
Keep pets and people away
Protect the bird from predators and disturbances while waiting for help.
Insights from Ornithologists and Wildlife Experts
Experts emphasize the importance of respecting wild birds and their natural behaviors. They encourage people to learn about local bird species and their habits to make informed decisions.
Most birds do not abandon their chicks due to human scent. The best help is often to observe and only intervene when absolutely necessary.
Always reach out to licensed professionals before attempting to care for a wild bird. Most species are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to possess or provide care for a wild birds without state and federal permits. Improper care can do more harm than good. Learn more about this here.
These insights highlight the balance between compassion and caution when dealing with wild birds.
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