 By this time of year, these young birds are full-sized. They've left the nest and can fly short distances, but they still follow their parents and beg for food. Not only do they squawk and quiver, they also assume a begging posture, head hunched down with wings drooping. Some baby birds, like ducklings, goslings, and quail, feed themselves immediately after hatching. But most young birds depend on their parents for days, weeks, or even months after leaving the nest.