Coming across a swallow lying motionless on the ground, with its wings open, can be a shocking experience. Our instinct is to immediately think that the bird is injured, but in most cases this is not the case. Often, the swallow is not injured: it is simply disoriented, tired or is in a position from which it cannot take flight on its own.

Swallows are extraordinary birds, designed for continuous flight. They have very short legs and long wings, ideal for gliding for kilometers but not very suitable for taking off from the ground.

When they find themselves on the ground, it may be because they have fallen, have hit an obstacle or are young specimens that have not yet learned to fly well.

What to do if you find a swallow on the ground

Before intervening, it is important to observe the animal. If its wings are symmetrically spread, its eyes are open and responsive, and it shows no signs of blood or fractures, it is likely in good condition.

In this case, you can help it by simply lifting it and carrying it to a higher point.

It can be useful to place it on a balcony, a window or a railing. From there, it can decide for itself when to take flight again. It is important not to throw it in the air, because you could cause damage or scare it further. Just wait a few minutes: if it is just tired or confused, it will fly away as soon as it feels ready.

If it doesn’t move after a while, you can temporarily place it in a cardboard box with small air holes and a soft cloth on the bottom. Keep it in a quiet place for a few hours and then try to make it fly again.

If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, or if you notice abnormal behavior, then it is time to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center in your area. The experts will be able to evaluate whether the swallow needs specific care.

Why it is important to help swallows

Helping a swallow in need is a simple gesture, but one with great value. In addition to being splendid symbols of spring, these birds play a fundamental ecological role, helping to keep the insect population under control.

A single swallow can eat hundreds of mosquitoes a day: each individual saved is a small contribution to the natural balance.

So remember: a swallow on the ground with its wings spread is not always injured. Sometimes, it just needs a starting point and someone to help it fly again. And that someone could be you.