Editor’s Note: The female summer tanager 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.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) has been caring for a female summer tanager (25-4426). This songbird was brought to the clinic after being found on Bowman’s Beach, where it was under attack by a pelican.
During her examination, it was discovered that she had nearly drowned during her ordeal. The veterinary staff at CROW heard crackles in her lungs, indicating excess fluid. The bird was soaked and struggling to breathe and fly. During her recovery, she was placed in an oxygen chamber and provided antibiotics to prevent any secondary bacterial pneumonia.
Summer tanagers are migratory birds that spend their breeding season in the lower United States and their winters in Central and South America. They often eat stinging insects, such as bees and wasps, and have been observed removing the stingers before consuming their prey. Males are bright red, whereas females are yellow-green, like this patient.
This patient’s recovery went well; her lung crackles resolved over about a week, and radiographs showed the excess fluid had dispersed. The animal was reassessed and relocated to CROW’s outdoor enclosures, where she can maintain essential skills such as flying, vital to her survival in the wild. This arrangement allows the rehabilitation team to monitor her closely. During her time in the outdoor enclosure this summer, this summer tanager will strengthen her flight muscles in preparation for her journey south for the winter.
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