Hi,
When you find a wild bird, it is important to find a wildlife center or rehabilitator to take care of it. Different species eat different diets, and feeding the wrong diet will kill the bird. Sparrows are largely seed eaters so they do not have the ability to digest a high sugar content food like banana. A chick has no idea what is OK to eat – this is taught by the parents or by a rehabber if the bird is orphaned. A chick will usually eat anything you offer it, not knowing that the wrong food can be deadly. Birds have an extremely high metabolism and a chick that age will be fed frequently – as much as every hour – by the parents during the day. Due to their high metabolism, a small bird like a sparrow or finch can die if it goes for as little as 6-8 hours with no food. Sadly the bird most likely died from a combination of the wrong type of food followed by not getting fed for too long of a period. It was kind for both of you to try to help the bird, but unfortunately, a bird that age doesn’t need help unless it was at risk from a predator. It was learning to fly and the parents would have been nearby encouraging it and feeding it until it learned to fly and find food. If you find wildlife in the future, this link can help you find someone to help: https://www.nwrawildlife.org/page/Found_Injured_Wildlife
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
