I have noticed a variety of baby birds in my yard this past week, including white-breasted nuthatch, mountain chickadee, American robin and Gambel’s quail. Based on the size of the babies, I believe we have three distinct quail families visiting our yard. Two of the families have eight chicks, and one has only three.
My next-door neighbor has an active hummingbird nest on her deck. The nest is on a piece of hanging decorative yard art. I went over to see the nest this past week and snapped a few pictures, while momma bird eyed me cautiously.
You might be wondering how long the typical incubation period is for wild birds. The incubation period is variable based on the type of development that occurs in the egg. There are two main classifications of development: precocial and altricial.
Bird species that are precocial include ducks, geese, killdeer, quail, grouse and pheasants, to name a few. In precocial species, the incubation period is longer (it lasts 21 days for quail), because more development occurs inside the egg. When precocial species hatch, their eyes are open, they are covered with a downy covering of feathers, and within a few hours of hatching they are ambulatory and are capable of feeding themselves shortly thereafter.
Interestingly, while development in the egg is rapid, development after hatching is fairly slow and long for precocial species. It will take several months for precocial species to reach the size of an adult of the same species.
Everything is the opposite in altricial development. The incubation period is short (typically 11-14 days for most songbirds), because less development occurs inside the egg. When the babies hatch out, their eyes are closed, they are naked (no feathers), and they are completely dependent on their parents for care and feeding.
However, the amazing thing about altricial species is how quickly they develop once they’ve hatched. Species such as mourning doves and house finches go from hatching to flying in about two weeks!!
A lot of different words are used to describe baby birds. Generally speaking, when a baby bird has just hatched, it is referred to as a hatchling. As it grows and develops, it is called a nestling. When it leaves the nest, it is called a fledgling. As baby birds become more independent of their parents, they are then referred to as juveniles.
I am happy to report that I received an email earlier this week informing me that both of the baby Bald Eagles at Lynx Lake have fledged—meaning they have successfully left the nest. The fledging time frame is probably the most critical time period for survival. If baby birds can get through the fledgling period, they are more likely to make it to adulthood.
So, what should you do if you find a baby bird? Nothing. I know it sounds harsh, but I am a firm believer that it is best to let nature run its course. When baby birds leave the nest, their parents still continue to feed them for up to a few weeks. This time period is critical for baby birds to learn from their parent how to forage and what to eat.
It is not uncommon for individuals, when they find a baby bird, to put it in a box and bring it in doors. This is actually the worst thing you can do for the bird’s survival. Its best chance of survival is outside in nature. We are not equipped to teach the baby how to forage, what to eat, and how to evade predators.
Next week, be on “the lookout” for returning rufous hummingbirds! Until next week, Happy Birding!
Eric Moore is the owner of The Lookout, in Prescott, where you will find a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, wild bird products, and Vortex and Swarovski optics. Eric has been an avid birder for over 55 years. Eric can be contacted at eric@thelookoutaz.com.
