Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/18/2009

Question
under the eave of my house a mud nest as built by a pair of birds with black bodies and white bellies...

The nest got wet and fell down. There were 5 babies and three were dead.  I put what remained of the nest and the 2 live birds in a small, open cardboard box and filled it with leaves, and disposed of the 3 dead baby birds. The parent birds circled about, but did not go into the box. I am concerned that if they become abandoned, what I should feed them and how to care for them.  Do you have any suggestions on caring for them, and might you be able identify them?  The look like titmice, but are black on top and light on the bottom.  Thanks!

Answer
You don't tell me where you live, but I'm guessing you live in the western US and these birds or Black Phoebes. It is VERY DIFFICULT to raise young birds, so the best thing to do is call your local wildlife rehab center or wildlife official for help and advice. Meanwhile, go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for advice on caring for baby birds.