Birds Stuck in Buildings
Background Information
It’s a common call to Project Wildlife: A community member finds a bird trapped in a home, warehouse, store or their building. The birds can be hummingbirds, sparrows, finches, hawks and owls.
While each situation is unique, most birds trapped in homes will instinctively fly up and toward light — such as daylight coming in from windows, doors and skylights. The following tips can help you solve the situation while keeping the bird safe.
For step by step guidance on what to do if you find a bird stuck in a building, consult our Wildlife Help Hub!
Instructions
Bird Trapped in a House
If a bird is trapped in a house, it is best to confine them in as small an area, and as close to an open door, as possible. To coax a bird toward an exit:
- Close all doors to other parts of the house, close the shutters or drapes on all windows, and cover any skylights.
- Open a window or patio door that leads to the outside and turn off all interior lights.
- This will leave the open door or window as the brightest place and the only way out — and the bird will be attracted toward the light.
- Gently encourage the bird toward the exit with a broom or similar object (be careful not to harm the animal). It may sometimes be necessary to wait until the bird is so exhausted that they can be safely captured and released outside.
- Examine the bird and bring them to Project Wildlife if they have any injuries.
Bird Trapped in a Warehouse or Store
- If a bird is trapped in a store or warehouse, start by making the building as dark as possible by turning off the lights and covering any skylights (otherwise, the bird will be attracted to the light and likely stay in those high places).
- It sometime works best to wait until dusk (or dawn), leave a large door open to the outside and have a light on around the outside of the large warehouse door or main store door.
- Please note: Some birds will nest in these buildings and may not be trapped at all.
When to Seek Help from Project Wildlife
- Nocturnal birds such as owls may actually be hunting in the building and will not leave until after dark, which may require the doors to be left open at night.
- It may be difficult to get birds to leave until they become weak and come to the ground. These birds should be examined for injuries may need to come to Project Wildlife.
- Contact Humane Law Enforcement at 619-299-7012 (press 1) if you need urgent assistance.