Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
Date of this Version
12-1983
Citation
Lingle, "A New Nesting Species for Nebraska," from Nebraska Bird Review (December 1983) 51(4).
Abstract
The Chuck-will's widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) is considered a highly local but regular migrant and presumed summer resident in Nebraska. Although it is known to breed in Kansas and Oklahoma, there were no nest records for Nebraska (Johnsgard, 1980). Egg dates for Kansas range from 21 April to 31 May (Johnsgard, 1979). On 4 June 1983 a Chuck-will's widow's nest with 2 eggs was discovered in a bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)–red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) woodland at Camp Merrill, Saunders Co. (Sec 29 T17N RSW), approximately 6 miles southeast of Linwood (Janett Waever, pers. comm.) The "nest" was located on the ground about 6 ft. from a footpath. A few fallen oak leaves and bedstraw (Galium sp.) made up the meager ground cover. On 11 June, 1 of the eggs hatched. The adult female, hatchling, and nest were photographed. The remaining egg hatched on 12 June. The chicks were observed again on 18 June, approximately 10 ft. from the footpath, and by 26 June were absent from the nest site.
Comments
Copyright 1983, Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. Used by permission.