^ 1914 J GoLSAN AND HoLT, Birds of Alabama. 215 



macrosperma and A. tecta) and an abundance of palmetto {Sahal 

 glabra). 



The principal trees are cypress (Taxodium distichum) hornbeam 

 (Carpinus caroliniana) , 'gums' (Liquidambar styraciflua and Nyssa 

 syhatica), sycamore {Platanus occidentalis) , holly {Ilex opaca), 

 dogwood {Cornus florida) and persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). 

 Vines and briers of many kinds are abundant. 



The following list is based on sporadic observations covering a 

 number of years, principally during the breeding seasons. As 

 no systematic study has been attempted (as evidenced by the lack 

 of migration data) until very recently, of course it cannot be ex- 

 pected that the list is complete or that the data given are conclusive; 

 so we submit the list for just what it may be worth, hoping that it 

 may prove of some interest, treating as it does of the avifauna 

 of a region so little studied by ornithologists. 



Neither of us can claim the distinction of being an ornithologist 

 and until recently, we have centered our attention upon oology, 

 endeavoring to make as complete a collection as possible of the eggs 

 of birds breeding in this neighborhood. Consequently the data 

 given upon breeding birds are more complete, and we have in most 

 cases included nesting data for each county. The most complete 

 data available, however, are from Autauga County. 



Ornithological knowledge among the hunters of this section is 

 generally vague and unreliable and besides ourselves we know of 

 no one in either county who takes an active interest in the study of 

 birds. We have thus been forced to rely almost entirely upon 

 our own notes and have used reports from others only when we 

 were reasonably sure of their accuracy. 



We are greatly indebted to Mr. Arthur H. Howell, Assistant 

 Biologist, U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey, for many valuable 

 suggestions as well as for reading the manuscript; and to Mr. H. C. 

 Oberholser, Ornithologist of the Survey, for identification of speci- 

 mens. 



The vernacular names in quotations are those by which the birds 

 are known locally. Except where specifically stated to the con- 

 trary all notes refer to both counties. 



1. Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. * Didapper.' — 

 One or two pairs occasionally to be found in favorable ponds at any season 



