Gardening Wild Birds

Bird Nest Removal

Here's when it's ok to remove a bird nest, and how to do it

coot sitting on a nest

The Spruce / Giuseppe Intrieri

While birders may enjoy playing host to nesting birds and watching parents raise their young, birds do not always build their nests in safe or suitable locations. Before removing bird nests, however, it is important to understand local laws involving wildlife removal and whether or not removing the nest is safe and comfortable for the birds.

Is It Illegal to Remove a Bird's Nest?

In the United States, it is a federal law and illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults. If the nest has been abandoned or no eggs have been laid, it can be removed or destroyed.

It is also illegal for anyone to keep a nest they take out of a tree or find on the ground unless they have a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Nests of invasive birds, such as house sparrows or European starlings, are not protected at any time. However, most birds, including migratory birds, are protected species, and tampering with or removing a nest or eggs could lead to hefty fines or other penalties.

When Is It OK to Remove Nests?

Nests can be removed only after the nesting season has ended and the birds have moved on. Call a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance if the birds have built their nests in unsafe locations.

Nests You Should Never Remove

Some nests should never be removed unless the proper wildlife authorities are consulted or there are no other options to keep the nesting birds safe. These nests include:

  • Endangered or threatened birds that are unlikely to build a new nest if disturbed
  • Nests of large birds, such as herons or raptors that will be reused for many years
  • Raptor and owl nests where defending adults can be aggressive and dangerous
  • Natural cavities that would be destroyed to remove the nest
  • Any nest in early summer that may be reused for additional broods
  • Nests that would be unsafe or dangerous for humans to reach and remove

When in doubt, it is always best to contact wildlife officials about nest removal or wait until long after the birds have left the nest before taking action.

How to Remove a Bird Nest

When it is safe and appropriate to remove a bird’s nest, care must be taken to ensure that the nest is removed properly.

  1. Double-check the nest for any remaining eggs or chicks and wait to be sure the healthy birds have all been out of the nest for several days before beginning any removal. Although young birds do not typically return to their nests seeking handouts from parents, it is important to be absolutely sure that the nest is abandoned.
  2. Wear gloves when handling the nest to protect against contamination from mites, bacteria, or other parasites that may have infected the nest. Tiny bugs may be nearly impossible to see in the nesting debris, or the nest may be contaminated with germs or mold that could affect humans.
  3. If possible, add the discarded nest to a compost pile or dispose of it in a plastic bag so predators are not attracted to the nesting area where young birds may still be at risk. Nesting material will naturally decompose or may even be reused by other nesting birds.
  4. Clean the area where the nest was located, using a solution of one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water. Note: It is not necessary to clean a tree or bush where a nest was located, but do clean any artificial surfaces nearby, such as a gutter, roof, hanging bracket, or nesting shelf. Allow the cleaning solution to dry completely, and no rinsing is necessary.
How to Remove a Bird Nest

The Spruce

How to Prevent Birds From Building Nests in an Area

If you do not want birds to reuse the same area after removing a nest, you must take steps to deter them from rebuilding. Changing the shape of the surface where the birds constructed their nest, such as adding a slanted board or spikes to make it less welcoming, will help discourage nesting.

Putting a carved cat, snake, or owl decoy near the nesting area can create the illusion of danger and discourage birds. Vigilance at the beginning of the nesting season will be critical, as it will urge unwise birds to move to a different area to raise their families.

Another deterrent is to give the birds a better option elsewhere. Consider building or erecting a birdhouse in a better spot. Birdhouses effectively help preserve wild bird populations by providing a safe haven away from predators.

FAQ
  • What to do if you find a baby bird on the ground with no nest?

    Leave the nestling where you found it. The parent birds will see it. Sometimes, the parent birds may have kicked the bird out of the nest.

  • If I handle a baby bird, will the parent birds reject it if they pick up my scent?

    Parent birds will only abandon their young if you touch them, although it is best to handle a baby bird only if it's urgent. Most birds have a poor sense of smell and identify their young primarily by appearance and sound.

  • Do birds reuse nests?

    Some bird species reuse old nests, like raptors and herons, although most do not. Some birds might notice an abandoned nest and reuse nesting material from that nest to build a new one.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Bird Nests: What You Need To Know. United States Fish & Wildlife Service.

  2. Managing House Sparrows and European Starlings. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

  3. Common Bird Diseases and Parasites. Mass. Audubon.

  4. Why some songbirds kick their chicks out before they can fly. National Audubon Society.

  5. Myths and frequently asked questions about nests. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.