Vietnam veteran Birdy (Matthew Modine) has always had an almost obsessive affinity with birds, but following his traumatic wartime experiences is now convinced that he has been transformed into one, and is confined to a military psychiatric hospital as a result. In an attempt to get through to him, Birdy's doctor brings in his best friend, Al Columbato (Nicolas Cage), who was himself wounded in Vietnam. Al tries to break Birdy's silence by recalling the carefree days of their youth, and becomes determined to bring his friend back to reality.