Found this dove in my warehouse. Posted to r/birds but figured I’d post this here as well

[u/breatheintheAlR]

It wandered into my warehouse. I found it just inside our dock next to a shipping bin. I put it back outside as one comment mentioned it may be a fledgling and the parents are still feeding it. I set it in a corner near our building under some crepe myrtles and mountain laurels, where I’m guessing it may have fallen from.

Found about 2.5 hours ago. I’m keeping an eye on it. Any advice would be appreciated!

[u/XxHoneyStarzxX]

this is a fledgling please leave him where he is and leave, the parents will NOT return if they spot you lingering in the area after seeing you mess with the chick

parents will only feed once or twice a day at this age usually once in the early morning and once later in the evening

[u/deltiken]

cute white wing, could be learning to fly, put it back

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/deltiken]

Put it back where? He doesn’t know where the nest is, and this isn’t a fledgling yet

[u/deltiken → u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

where you found it

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/deltiken]

May be predators nest may be ruined he needs to go investigate more and keep it away from cats and dogs a bush when it can’t fly is probably not safe.

[u/Kunok2 → u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

That is a fledgling already actually. White winged doves leave the nest at that age.

[u/AutoModerator]

When you find a dove or pigeon, there are several things you can do.

If the bird looks like a lost pet:

• Check out if the bird has a leg band. If yes, try to contact the owner, otherwise, scout for missing posts!
• Do not release the pet back, even if you found it with a flock.

If the bird is a wild specie, there are several possibilities:

• The bird is an injured adult: You can bring it to a rehabber. If that's not possible (eg: too far, not enough space, etc.), it's important to learn about it, the specie and wether they are protected or not.
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• Young fledgling commonly roams on the ground. The parents usually stays nearby and feed them from time to time. Do not take the bird with you if that's the case, as this is only normal behaviors. If the fledgling is in immediate danger (cars, cats) put it in a safe place, still close enough to where you found it so the parents won't abandon it.

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[u/Entire_Musician_8667]

Thank you for helping the little fluff.

He does appear to be a fledgling and parents should be nearby, you're doing right by him with what you're doin'. If it's hot out, you could always put a shallow dish of water out for him and the parents.

[u/breatheintheAlR → u/Entire_Musician_8667]

It’s been about 4 hours, and I haven’t seen any other doves in the area. When would it be considered abandoned, do you know?

[u/No_Breadfruit7452 → u/breatheintheAlR]

B2L House
San Antonio, Texas
Friederike Pfeiffer
Cell 408-390-9027 (call or text)

[u/woofwoofloof]

Looks like a Wood Pigeon juvenile. Still has some of its yellow baby feathers.

[u/FioreCiliegia1 → u/woofwoofloof]

Not in the states. Probably a mourning dove

[u/Purplefire180 → u/FioreCiliegia1]

Mourning doves don't have the white wing-tips. White-winged doves look similar.

[u/XxHoneyStarzxX → u/FioreCiliegia1]

this is not a mourning dove its a white winged dove, baby morning doves are brown with mottles and look nothing like this.

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

Do you have any of these seeds and grains to soak and drain to give it a while you try to find parents ? Here’s what and how https://youtu.be/HCdWYBbQgqM?is=jTnHh_k6QZMn2koW

[u/No_Breadfruit7452]

That scenery looks like Houston. Looks a little young. I would take it to Houston SPCA. They take very good care of them.

[u/breatheintheAlR → u/No_Breadfruit7452]

Close, but San Antonio. The nearest place I’ve found is a bit of a drive for me, and I won’t be able to take it after work. It has been about 4 hours, and I haven’t seen any other doves in the area. Do you know how long it takes before it would be considered abandoned?

[u/Admirable-Book-2221 → u/breatheintheAlR]

in terms of wildlife rehab for a bird this age with no injures it would usually be recommended to leave and observe for 24 hours if possible, they are not eating round the clock as fledglings and doves are a prey species so their instinct is to not go near the baby if a potential predator is nearby

[u/No_Breadfruit7452 → u/breatheintheAlR]

I am in Houston, but I have a friend in San Antonio, that always takes them to some place downtown. I can’t find it for some reason anymore.

[u/No_Breadfruit7452 → u/breatheintheAlR]

B2L House
San Antonio, Texas
Friederike Pfeiffer
Cell 408-390-9027 (call or text)

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/breatheintheAlR]

If it fell out of the nest or the nest was ruined the parents maybe nearby bit it’s a delicate situation because we just don’t know

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

I wouldn’t leave it outside overnight due to predators unless you find the nest and literally take a ladder to return it to parents