Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/28/2006

Question
I recently found a baby (wild) finch while I was on a walk thru our local Metro park.  Two black birds were diveing at it, like they were going to kill him. When I asked the park ranger about it he said if i wanted I could take it to try and hand raise, because most likely it would die. But i dont really know alot about raising birds. The finch has most of its feathers, and is loosing the fuzz. And is already starting to take flight but isnt able to go very far yet.  It seems to be eating diced up worms quite well, but i didnt know if there was something that I should be feeding him, or what I should be doing. If you could please just give me a quick overview I Would greatly appriciate it. He seems like a really great baby bird, and I dont want to see anything happen to him. Also could you tell me how to sex wild finches. Cause id like to give the little guy or girl a name. thank you alot for your time.  

Answer
You can go to http://www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for more information on raising wild birds. But I must tell you that possessing a wild bird is against federal law. You should take it to a wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife official. They are VERY hard to raise. There is no way to sex a baby bird. If you do succeed in raising it, LET IT GO, please. Wild birds are not meant to be kept in cages and as I said, it is illegal. But thank you for your concern. Roger Lederer at Ornithology.com