Population status of chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) in the bahamas

Authors

William K. Hayes, Loma Linda UniversityFollow
Elwood D. BraceyFollow
Melissa R. Price, Loma Linda UniversityFollow
Valerie A. Lee, Southern Adventist UniversityFollow
Eric GrenFollow
Caroline StahalaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-3-2010

Abstract

The Chuck-will’s-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) in the Bahama Islands has been regarded as a rare to uncommon winter visitor. We conducted breeding season surveys on the three largest northern islands (North Andros, Grand Bahama, and Great Abaco) to examine the status of this species. We encountered singing birds on most survey routes on all three islands, suggesting that sizeable breeding populations are widespread in the northern Bahamas with an aggregate estimate of 500–1,000 pairs. Our density estimates were somewhat less than those from the primary range in the United States, suggesting either a lower carrying capacity in the Bahama Islands or recently established populations that have yet to reach carrying capacity. Received 24 August 2009. Accepted 3 January 2010.

Comments

Valerie Lee's maiden name was Robinette.

Recommended Citation

Hayes, W. K., Bracey, E. D., Price, M. R., Robinette, V. A., Gren, E., & Stahala, C. (2010). Population Status of Chuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) in the Bahamas. Wilson Journal Of Ornithology, 122(2), 381-384.