Editor’s Note: The Brown Pelican is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
During springtime, CROW sees an increase in victims of “mobbing.” Mobbing is a defensive strategy seen in birds where groups or pairs of smaller bird species aggressively harass a larger predator, like a hawk or owl, to drive it away from their territory. Mobbing is often observed during nesting season as parents protect their nest and teach the behavior to their young.
This Chuck-Will’s-Widow (25-1726) was recently admitted to CROW after a rescuer found it grounded and suspected it may have been mobbed by crows. While we can’t confirm what happened, we’re happy to report the bird was uninjured and in good physical condition.
However, this raises the question: why would crows mob a Chuck-Will’s-Widow? Isn’t it just a harmless, nocturnal songbird? Although this species does have that iconic, lilting call which we might associate with songbirds, they are true carnivores. Chuck-Will’s-Widows eat “on the wing” — catching food while in flight — and have even been known to swallow bats and songbirds whole. Their deceptively tiny bills conceal a wide, gaping mouth and their cryptic plumage keeps them camouflaged until they dart from a perch to catch their prey.
Once we confirmed the Chuck-Will’s-Widow was healthy, it was cleared for same-day release. Watching it disappear into the twilight is a powerful reminder of why CROW does this work—there’s nothing quite like seeing a wild animal return home.
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