How can I tell how old a baby bird is.

[lind]

I have a little collered dove which was wobbling at the side of the road, he is attempting to eat himself after i got a little in his mouth however still has no coller and just about no feathers on his chest. I think he is going to survive but when do I let him go. Sorry I know this is British birds but this wee fellows in the south of Spain. Any advice would be great.

[~T~]

Can you get a picture of it?

[lind]

This is the little bird thanks

[Farplace]

Looks more like a wood pigeon. Whatever it is needs a few more weeks of care before it will be ready to fly and be released. What are you feeding it?
jan

[lind]

I am feeding it weetabix and milk and a bit of ground rice however if you think it needs a few weeks more I shall go and get special food. You could be right abbout the woodpigeon too,it is dark. Thanks

[Dogghound]

Dont give it milk, give it water instead. I probably would'nt give it rice either seeds would be better, like millet.

Its is a collared dove, it looks about 12 days old in the photo, they fledge at around 18-19 days. This one has probably fallen out of its nest near the road, the nests are very flimsy.

[lind]

Ok thanks , It looks very swollen up at the front is that because it is not digesting the milk, He now feeds himself if I sit him on the edge of the bowl. We must have about ten pairs of colard doves in this street alone!