How to Catch a Bird That Came Down the Fireplace

Wild birds that hang around chimneys occasionally come into homes through fireplaces.

Sparrows, starlings, doves and pigeons commonly nest for the season or roost overnight in or near residential chimneys. Occasionally a wild bird may come down the chimney and enter your home accidentally via the fireplace. Fortunately the creature has no intention or desire to remain confined within your home, and fervently wishes to leave. Your job is to assist the bird by showing it the way back outside. If that isn’t possible, you may need to catch the creature to release it outdoors.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket, bed sheet or dark colored garbage bags
• Lantern or flashlight (optional)
• Dishcloth (optional)
• Broom (optional)
• Towel

Instructions

1. Close the door to the room the bird is in to keep it out of the rest of the house and confine it to as small an area as possible. Cover the entryway to the room with a blanket, bed sheet, or some dark-colored garbage bags if there is no door.

2. Open and uncover one window in the room and remove the screen if necessary. Cover all the other windows and openings. Keep other members of the household and pets away from the area.

3. Turn off the lights in the room. Birds instinctively head for the light, which will be brighter from outdoors. If it is dark outside, set up a lit lantern or flashlight right outside the open window. If you know the bird is in the room but do not see it, leave for about an hour. It is frightened and will come out from hiding after you leave the room.

4. Shoo the bird toward the open window. Wad up a dishcloth and toss it at the bird if you need to, or wave a broom at it. Don’t give it any peace and try to chase it out the window. The bird should fly out the opening toward the light.

5. Hold a towel open and conceal most of your face behind it so the bird cannot see you if you have no option other than to capture the creature.

6. Follow the bird around as it flies from perch to perch. Toss the towel over the bird when it lands on the floor or other easily accessible spot. If you miss, keep chasing the bird with the towel to tire it out and make it easier to catch.

7. Scoop the bird up in the towel gently. Try not to handle it with your bare hands to avoid stressing the bird any more than necessary.

8. Step outside quickly and set the towel on the ground gently. Open the towel to release the bird.

9. Call a licensed wildlife professional for advice if the bird is injured, trapped or unable to fly away.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not plan try to keep a trapped bird as a pet. Wild birds do not make good pets. Most people do not know how to care for a wild bird, or how to rehabilitate and release an ill or injured bird. Federal law protects all wildlife, and your state has its own specific regulations regarding possession, destruction and relocation of these animals.

References

• Wildlife Rescue League, Falls Church, VA: Bird Trapped in House
• Massachusetts Audubon; Birds Caught in a Building

Resources

• Zyra’s Website: What to Do About a Bird Having Fallen Down the Chimney in Your House