Rare Tropical Bird Blown Off Course in New Bedford Finally Returns Home

Just before the holidays, while most of us were still thinking about our last minute shopping, Mother Nature brought a rare visitor to the SouthCoast.

Strong storm winds around December 18, 2025 produced gusts between 50-60 MPH, with spots like Horseneck Beach peaking at 64 MPH and Block Island clocking in at a powerful 81 MPH. With winds like that, it's not too surprising that a tropical bird could get blown off course — eventually ending up exhausted and underweight in a New Bedford backyard.

Thankfully, that resident noticed the rare find huddled on their air conditioning unit and called the New England Wildlife Center for help. Now, that windblown traveler is finally back where it belongs.

Rescue and Recovery in New England

When the Purple Gallinule was first found, it was clearly struggling.

The New England Wildlife Center's Cape hospital took the tropical bird in for evaluation and, remarkably, found no broken bones or other major injuries. Instead, the bird was suffering from exhaustion, dehydration and a lack of proper nutrition.

Second Gallinule Found in Vermont

Even more surprising was the discovery of a second Purple Gallinule just weeks later — this one found even further north in Vermont. That bird showed similar signs of exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition, as well as minor foot injuries and a scratch to its eye.

READ MORE: Shocking December Dolphin Rescue From Wareham Shoreline

Fortunately, both rare tropical wanderers recovered quickly however. Within weeks of arriving in New England, they were healthy enough to return to warmer climates.

Journey Back to Warmer Marshes

Just over a week into the new year, the New England Wildlife Center shared video of both birds being flown back down south together.

Volunteers flew the birds to South Carolina where they will recover from the travel and acclimate to the warm marsh environment. Ultimately they will be transported even further south to a coastal marsh habitat where Purple Gallinule live year round.

READ MORE: These Exotic-Looking Animals Actually Live in the U.S.

Nice to see this unexpected winter detour ending with two healthy birds finally returning home. Amazing work from multiple wildlife organizations all along the East Coast.