1. Monitoring: Mother birds closely monitor their nests and the activities of their young. If they notice a chick has fallen, they may initially observe the situation to assess the chick's condition and the potential risks in the area.
2. Encouragement: Mothers often call out or chirp to encourage fallen chicks back to the nest. They may even fly down and gently nudge or guide the chick to climb back up.
3. Nest Repair: If the fallen chick is injured or unable to climb back on its own, the mother may attempt to repair the nest or create a makeshift platform nearby to facilitate the chick's return.
4. Food Provision: Mothers continue to provide food and care for the fallen chick just like they would for those still in the nest. They bring insects, worms, or other food sources to the chick's location.
5. Brooding: Sometimes, mothers stay close to the fallen chick and brood over it to provide warmth and comfort until it regains strength or finds its way back to the nest.
Abandonment of fallen chicks is generally not a common occurrence, except under certain circumstances, such as extreme threats to the mother's own survival or if the fallen chick is severely injured or unlikely to survive. In these rare cases, the mother may prioritize her own survival and the well-being of the remaining offspring.