AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Mobbing of Common Nighthawks as Cases of Mistaken Identity

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2011
Authors:Marks, JS, C. Crabtree, S, Benz, DA, Kenne, MC
Journal:The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Volume:123
Issue:1
Date Published:2011
ISBN Number:1559-4491
Keywords:Caprimulgidae, Chordeiles, Chordeiles minor
Abstract:Abstract We report five instances of small birds mobbing Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor). In each case, the nighthawk was roosting in a tree during daytime and was mobbed by a group of birds in a manner typical of that directed toward an avian predator. We found only four previously published accounts of perched caprimulgiforms being mobbed. Mobbing birds probably mistake caprimulgiforms for owls because of convergence in plumage coloration and pattern between these two groups of crepuscular-nocturnal birds.Abstract We report five instances of small birds mobbing Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor). In each case, the nighthawk was roosting in a tree during daytime and was mobbed by a group of birds in a manner typical of that directed toward an avian predator. We found only four previously published accounts of perched caprimulgiforms being mobbed. Mobbing birds probably mistake caprimulgiforms for owls because of convergence in plumage coloration and pattern between these two groups of crepuscular-nocturnal birds.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1676/10-163.1
Short Title:The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith