What kind of bird is this? Help please!

[moksori]

I'm sorry if this post is in the wrong place, but I only just created my account and am not entirely sure how to use the forum. This afternoon (about 2-3 hours ago) I discovered that my cat had brought a baby bird inside and was "playing" with it. The bird looks quite young and is very small. It does not appear to be injured, as far as I can see. It is missing some feathers after the experience with my cat, but it is brown with some white on the belly. I would really like to know what kind of bird it is because if it is not native then I don't think I can take it to WIRES and I am not sure if the vet will take it (at least without charge, because I cannot afford to pay vet costs!). I've never looked after a bird before so I have no idea what to do with it, but I don't want it to die so I am happy to try to look after it until I can find an alternative. I did search for a nest but was unable to find one and I do not know where/how my cat found it (this is the first time he's brought anything home). Any help/advice as soon as possible would be GREATLY appreciated!

[Laraine]

Hi
I can only suggest that you contact your local WIRES. It is very difficult to look after wildlife especially one so young. I don't know what state you are from. Good luck with it.

[avinet]

Oct 4, 2013 16:36:57 GMT 10 Laraine said:

Hi
I can only suggest that you contact your local WIRES. It is very difficult to look after wildlife especially one so young. I don't know what state you are from. Good luck with it.

I would second that - identifying and looking after such young babies is difficult, and hopefully your local group have someone who can identify it, and hence know what sort of food to feed it. If it turns out not to be native, at least they may identify it so you can try to feed it the proper foods.

The one comment I can make is that babies with such big mouths and those white edges to the mouth often end up being insectivorous so insect foods are often needed - mealworms are useful as well as flies etc.  Also Wombaroo make an insectivore food that can be used as well - www.wombaroo.com.au/insectivores.htm

cheers,

Mike