How Far Can an Escaped Bird Travel?

When your pet bird escapes, the first impulse is to run after him. For his sake as well as your own, don't panic, as panicking can startle your bird into taking off in defensive flight, leading him farther away from your home. Common pet parrots such as budgies and cockatiels are not biologically equipped with strong homing instinct, and very few pet birds overall are able to handle exposure to the elements. So take calm, careful steps in attempting to retrieve your bird.

  1. Clipped Wing Travel

    • In addition to clipping wings, microchip or leg band your pet bird for further identification.

      In the United States, the majority of pet birds have their wings clipped; their primary flight feathers have been trimmed so full flight is not possible. Often when a bird with clipped wings has escaped, it's because one or two flight feathers have grown in without detection. Look first in the trees immediately above you as well as the ground around you. Birds with clipped wings will sometimes land on the ground not far from their escape. If your bird has landed, get close to him and call but do not chase him. This could startle him into flight once more.

    Natural Wing Travel

    • If your bird is in a tree, reach a branch up to him rather than climbing the tree yourself; the latter could startle him.

      Travel distance in escaped birds depends upon a number of factors: has your bird escaped or flown before? Is he a homing bird, such as a pigeon, or is he a parrot? Was he startled away? Birds with full flight ability are typically found within a 10-mile radius of their home, although some birds have been located a week after escape more than 100 miles from home. One confused pigeon in the UK flew 3,000 miles across the Atlantic after escaping. Escaped pet birds keep flying in an attempt to find a place they recognize and can cover several miles before stopping.

    Strategy

    • If your bird is housed with another, put his mate (in a cage) outside to help call him home.

      Keep your eyes on your escaped bird for as long as you can, noting which direction he's heading. Begin your search immediately within a 5-mile radius of your home. Increase this area by 5 miles within the next day and then another mile each subsequent day. Remember that your bird will not be able to know -- as cats and dogs do -- which house and yard is his. Set his cage and food in your yard in an attempt to coax him home.

    What to Do Next

    • Dawn and dusk are the times pet birds are most active, and most likely to respond to search attempts.

      Once you have exhausted the possibility of re-capturing your escaped bird immediately, quickly inform neighbors in the area of your lost feathered friend. Put up flyers with his image and your contact information. Notify all animal-related organizations in the area, including humane societies, animal rescues, veterinarians, the police and local aviary clubs. Members of these organizations keep an eye out and inform patrons of lost birds, and are also able to recognize and return your bird if a stranger finds him. Pet birds are often found after they attempt to be fed by passing humans they see. Getting information about your missing bird out to the public is your best chance at bringing him home.