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How to Hold a Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are small, fast-moving birds that sip nectar from flowers. While they are fairly hardy, they may become stunned by flying into a window or may enter a torpid state if they become too cold. If you find a stunned or torpid hummingbird, you may need to transport it to a safe place, and you must be very careful that you don't injure its delicate body.

Things You'll Need

Small cardboard box with lid
Awl
Soft facial tissue

Instructions

- 1
  Punch holes in the lid of a small cardboard box using an awl.
- 2
  Fill the cardboard box half-way to the top with crumpled facial tissue.
- 3
  Reach for the hummingbird rather than immediately picking it up. If the hummingbird is stunned, your motion may startle it back into sensibility and flight.
- 4
  Scoop the hummingbird up, slowly and gently, in both hands.
- 5
  Place the hummingbird in the box and close the lid.
- 6
  Take the hummingbird to a veterinarian or bird biologist immediately if the bird seems injured.

Animals & Science