Found a bird that may be someone's pet?
Australia; local services and arrangements vary
For a bird you think may be a pet. If you are unsure, ask a vet or wildlife service to help identify it. Sick or dead wild birds need current official disease advice instead.
Before you start
If the bird is injured, unwell, or has been caught by a cat or dog, contact a vet now. Do not wait to find its owner. If you are unsure about its condition, ask for urgent advice.
Do not attempt an unsafe capture. Tell the vet if the bird is not contained and ask how to proceed.
Little Beaks is closed to all intakes, including emergencies. Contact an appropriate service directly.
Next steps
- Contact nearby vets and check existing lost-and-found bird listings and local groups.
- If the bird is already contained, keep it separate from your own birds and ask a vet about safe temporary care.
- Record when and where you found it. Keep some identifying details private so a claimant can provide earlier photographs or other evidence. Avoid publishing your home address.
- If you cannot continue caring for the bird, tell the vet or relevant local animal service that you need another arrangement. Call before travelling to check they can receive it.
Sources and review
Guidance 1.0.0. Sources checked 2026-10-05. Human veterinary review pending. Review due 2026-11-05.
This source check is not veterinary approval. Follow the professional advising on your case. A printed or shared copy will not update automatically.
- RSPCA: identifying your bird — Photographs, identifying features, rings and microchips can support identification; not a legal ownership decision.
- RSPCA: introducing birds — Veterinary assessment and separation of newly arrived birds; no generic quarantine duration prescribed here.
- Wildcare Australia: birds — Prompt professional help for injury and predator contact, and personal safety. Wildlife-specific capture, feeding and service promises are not copied into pet guidance.
- Little Beaks owner instruction — Closed to all intakes. Owner-supplied service status, not external clinical evidence.
- Little Beaks editorial and privacy guidance — Contact, recording, privacy and handover prompts migrated from the existing website; not legal or clinical rules.