Just A Sparrow
Posted by Lee Ann on June 29, 2005
Q: Hello! Great website. I saw a young/baby sparrow today at a cafe I frequent, where many sparrows congregate and eat. This one seemed wobbly, very fluffy feathers, and although he could fly his balance seemed poor when he was stationary - when he leaned over to pick up some crumbs, he nearly toppled over. Is this normal for a baby bird?
Thank you!
Lee Ann
A: In all likelihood, you saw a fledgling. Once baby birds leave the nest, they go through a fledgling period where they become more proficient at flying, feeding themselves and avoiding predators and eventually are totally on their own. No doubt your bird has very recently left the nest and that would account for the wobbly stance. Of course, some disease could account for this but it really does sound as though you saw the early stages of a bird becoming self-sufficient.
Thanks for your question, hope this helps.
John Wiessinger ( June 29, 2005)