Fledge
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Fledging is the stage in a
and becoming capable of flight. This term is most frequently applied toAll birds are considered to have fledged when the feathers and wing muscles are sufficiently developed for flight. A young bird that has recently fledged but is still dependent upon parental care and feeding is called a fledgling. People often want to help fledglings, as they appear vulnerable, but it is best to leave them alone.[4] The USA National Phenology Network defines the phenophase (or life cycle stage) of fledged young for birds as "One or more young are seen recently departed from the nest. This includes young incapable of sustained flight and young which are still dependent on adults."
In many species, parents continue to care for their fledged young, either by leading them to food sources, or feeding them. Birds are vulnerable after they have left the nest, but before they can fly, though once fledged their chances of survival increase dramatically.[5]
One species, the
References
- ISBN 9780292746343.
- ISBN 0226462072.
- ^ Gill, Frank. Ornithology (3rd ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman and Company. p. 491.
- ^ "What to do if you find a baby bird".
- ^ Gill, Frank. Ornithology (3rd ed.). New York: W.H. Freeman and Company. p. 492.
- ^ As shown in this National Geographic video.
External links
- USA National Phenology Network
The dictionary definition of fledge at Wiktionary
Media related to Fledglings at Wikimedia Commons
