If You Touch a Baby Bird the Mother Will Reject It

Most birds have a very poor sense of smell and won't reject chicks touched by humans. If a baby bird is found, it's usually fine to return it to the nest if possible. However, if the bird is fully feathered and able to hop, it's likely a fledgling learning to fly, it should be left alone as the parents are probably nearby. The myth persists because well-meaning people leaving chicks alone happens to be good advice, but for different reasons than the myth suggests.