Editor’s Note: The Northern Cardinal 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 Pied-billed Grebe is a small migratory bird commonly found in North America. This species has a compact body, a long slender neck, and a thick beak. Pied-billed Grebes are great swimmers, using their webbed feet to propel themselves through water with remarkable speed. They are typically seen in freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes, where they dive for fish, insects, and aquatic plants.
As the seasons change, migratory birds like the Pied-billed Grebe travel vast distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. Around late summer through early fall, species are escaping cold temperatures and fly to Southern Florida and the Caribbean. Late winter through early spring, birds travel back north for breeding seasons. Around this time of year, CROW sees an influx of migratory birds, many of whom face challenges such as exhaustion, injury, or environmental hazards.
This Pied-billed Grebe (24-3730) was admitted to CROW after it was found unable to walk outside of water. During the physical examination, staff observed that the bird had no significant findings upon initial assessment. A float test was performed, revealing that the Grebe was appropriately moving both legs and drinking plenty of water. Although the Grebe showed interest in fish, it did not eat, which is concerning given its typical feeding habits. This species typically struggles to walk on land, which let staff to believe the patient may have experienced trauma or illness. The patient is currently being closely monitored, and if necessary, pain medications may be administered to address potential trauma. The goal is to assess the bird’s condition and determine if it can be safely released back into the wild.
