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stal Zooe ormation Center JUN 2 5 1975 FISHES,, BIRDS AND MAMMALS 0:@ OF THE COASTAL AREA OF ALABAMA > Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Montgomery, Alabama S 964 A2 F57 1975 W Preparation of this Document Approved by: Claude D. Kelley, Commissioner Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Compiled by: Hugh A. Swingle James E. Keller Ralph H. Allen, Jr. FISHES, BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF THE COASTAL AREA OF AIABAMA Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Montgomery, Alabama June 1975 property of CSC Library Reproduction of this document in whole or in part by a user is permitted. The preparation of this document was partially financed through a Federal grant from the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as authorized by section 305 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. The program was administrated by the State Planning Division, Alabama Development Office, Office of the Governor. For Information Address: Alabama Development Office State Office Building Montgomery, Alabama 36104 Unique Report Number: Ala - ADO - X996 - CZMP - 05 Abstract: Three hundred species of fishes, 313 species of birds and ie�. Z@p , , @Pf 'm7 are found within the two ppp a coas n ma. These two coastal countie- cont ildlife than any other area Of t stafe'duie'_` o e? eat variety of habitats which range from the marine waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the upland forest lands. Our coastal wild- life resources contribute to either the commercial, recreational or aesthetic interests of all persons arid are one of the most valuable resources of the coastal area. iv CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION .............................................. II. FISHES OF THE COASTAL AREA OF ALABAMA ..................... 6 III. BIRDS OF THE COASTAL AREA OF ALABAMA .............. 29 IV. MAMMALS OF THE COASTAL AREA OF ALABAMA .................... 52 v ILLUSTRATIONS Page Figure 1. Coastal habitats of Alabama ........... 5 vi INTRODUCTION The two coastal counties of Alabama contain the largest variety of wildlife to be found within any region of the State of Alabama. The diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats ranging from the barrier is- lands and beaches along the Gulf of Mexico inland through the low-lying marshlands associated with the brackish and freshwater bays and rivers., through the swamplands of the delta rivers to the forrested uplands of the northern regions of the two counties is unique within the State. Even though the coastal area is becoming developed at an ever increasing rate., 71 percent of the land of Mobile County and 73 percent of Baldwin County were classified as forest lands in 1971. The land area of the two counties totals 1,803,584 acres,. The water area within the two counties includes 72.,496 acres of freshwater rivers and streams; 22,800 acres of privately owned ponds; 389,868 acres of brackish bays, sounds and rivers; and 107.,500 acres of marine waters off the 46 miles of Gulf beaches. The fish and wildlife resources within this vast land and water area are one of the most valuable assets of our coastal area. During 1971., 3.1 mill-ion fishing trips were made in the salt., brackish and fresh waters and 1.2 million hunting trips were made within the three county regional planning district that includes Mobile., Baldwin and Escambia counties. Approximately 98 per- cent of the fishing trips., and probably a similar percentage of the hunting trips, were made within the two coastal counties. The multimillion dollar seafoods industry of Mobile and Baldwin counties is dependent upon both the direct harvest of fishes and shellfishes from our territorial waters and the natural productivity of our estuaries which are utilized as nur- sery areas by a majority of the fishes and shellfishes taken in the off- shore catch. The smaller freshwater commercial fisheries contributes several thousands of pounds annually to the local demand for fresh fish. The contribution our wildlife resources make in aesthetic values, or the richness of person's lives, is incalculable. Certain:Ly the number of per- sons participating in birding trips, annual bird counts and other organized activities related to wildlife can be tallied., however the number of oc- casions and values we all derive from watching a flock of white pelicans soaring over the Battleship Parkway or simply watching a squirrel search for nuts in the back yard cannot. For purposes of this study aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the coastal zone have been grouped into the following five general types. Marine Habitat. Waters of the Gulf of Mexico from Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan Peninsula seaward to the state boundary (3 railes). Barrier Island Habitat. Dauphin Island, Sand Island and Fort Morgan Peninsula. Aquatic habitats include the front and back beaches, tidal pools., marsh ponds., tidal bayous and ditches. Freshwater lakes on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan Peninsula contain intro- duced freshwater fishes and are not included. Moving inland from the gulf., terrestrial barrier island habitat typically includes 2 the sandy front beach; the sparsely vegetated dunes; the in- terior flat sandy woodlands vegetated prixicipally with pines, oaks and palmettos; marshland; and finally a narrow beach zone along the leeward side. Interior woodlands occur only on the easternmost one-third of Dauphin Island and the eastern half of Fort Morgan Peninsula. Sand Island has neither woodlands or marshlands. Estuarine and Marshland Habitat. Aquatic habitats include the bays, sounds, bayous and tidal rivers which are brackish all or most of the year and the rivers and bays of the Mobile Delta south of the tree-line. Terrestrial habitat consists of salt and brackish marshlands vegetated principally by cordgrasses and rushes and freshwater marshes vegetated largely by cane and sedges. Slightly higher elevations are vegetated by shrubs and willows. Delta River and Swampland Habitat. Aquatic habitats include the rivers,, streams and lakes of the Mobile Delta north of the tree- line to and including the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers to the northern boundaries of Baldwin and Mobile counties. During periods of extreme low flow salt water is detectable in the Mobile River 30 miles inland. However, it is the bottom water of this one river that is largely affected and the Mobile Delta can generally be considered as fresh north of the tree-line. 3 Also included within this category are the Alabama portion of the Escatawpa River System and the Perdido River System north of Blackwater River. Terrestrial habitat includes the poorly drained river floodplains which are principally vegetated by cypress., tupelo, black gum,, hickories, oaks and bays. Upland Habitat. Well drained uplands vegetated largely by longleaf and slash pines., sweetgum, oaks, titi, gallberry and bays. Aquatic habitat includes sandy-bottomed streams with moderate to fast flowing water, including pools and rapids. Fishes, birds and mammals of the coastal area of Alabama are dis- cussed in the following sections. @en d Marine 2- Barrier Isl@-,nd 3- Estuarine & Marshlend 0 0 4- Delta River Swampland 5- Upland 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 00 5 0 00400 0 0 0 00 0 0 a 1 0 0 0 5 0" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 if0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -4 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 JL 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 04 0 00 0 C, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 %Figure 1. Coastal habitats of Alabama FISHES OF THE COArDTAL AREA OF ALABAMA Hugh A. Swingle Marine Resources Division Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528 Introduction Slightly more than 3 million sport fishing trips were made in salt, brackish and fresh waters of Mobile and Baldwin counties during 1971. The projected demand for recreational fishing will increase by 55 percent., or to 4.8 mill-ion trips, by 1980. The greatest increase will be in the demand for saltwater fishing trips. Data modified from the Auburn University Agricultura.1 Experiment Station report entitled "Fishing in Alabama" are presented below- 1971 1980 Freshwater Trips 1.,138.,007 1.,494.,064 Brackish water Trips 1.055,200 19793.,570 Saltwater Trips 770-2130 1_2467,2473 3.,063,9337 49755.9107 During 1971, 1,958 commercial fishermen were employed on 1,058 Alabama fishing boats and vessels which landed 34 million pounds of fish and shell-fish valued at $14 million dockside. Sixty-two wholesale sea- food and processing plants employed more than 2.,000 people in 1971. The value of processed fishery products was $21 mill-ion during that year. 6 While most of the fish and shellfish landed at Alabama ports are harvested from offshore waters, the brackish and fresh waters of our coastal area are utilized as a nursery area by the young of most marine species taken in both the commercial and sport fisheries. The great variety of aquatic habitats within the coastal area ranges from offshore marine waters of the Gulf, through the brackish water bays and marshes to the inland rivers and swamps and upland streams. Because of this great variety of habitats, there are more species of fishes found within the coastal area of Alabama than any other region of the State. Knowledge of the species composition.of our coastal waters as well as the seasonal and areal distribution of these species is necessary for the protection and management of this important resource. While most of the-freshwater fishes of our inland fresh waters show little tendency for migrating.from place to place, this migratory pattern is characteristic of most of the saltwater fishes as well as many of the freshwater fishes in the freshwater streams and rivers along the coast which become brackish in late summer and fall as river discharge decreases. As salt content in- creases freshwater fishes generally migrate further inland to avoid brack- ish water while saltwater fishes may extend their range inland., as is the case with speckled seatrout which are commonly taken in the Mobile Delta and other coastal rivers during late fall. Most saltwater fishes., how- ever., begin a seaward migration during late summer which is part of their normal migratory behavior. Early cold fronts farther stimulate this off- 7 shore movement and flooding of the river systems later in the winter causes most of the saltwater fishes to leave the inside waters. Abnormally high floods., such as during 1961., 1973 and 1975, cause saltwater fishes to move further out into the Gulf than usual and some freshwater fishes to move down into Mobile Bay. During these years sunfishes,, freshwater catfish and buffalo have been taken ocassionally near Dauphin Island by commercial fishermen. Following., and often during., the winter floods the great in- flux of larval or very small juvenile saltwater fishes begin entering the estuarine area. By April or May they reach their greatest abundance and may often be found in the same area and at the same time as juveniles of certain freshwater fishes. During the early spring when the salt content is very low there is multiple use of much of our coastal waters. Most freshwater fishes and most marine fishes are not found in low salinity estuarine water.1 which is often refered to as the common nursery area, but many of the more important freshwater sport fishes and most of the more important marine sport and commercial fishes are. Even though the number of species of fishes declines progressively as one moves further inland from the high., stable salinities of the Gulf of Mexico until entering per- manent fresh waters, young of the so-called estuarine-dependent fishes are extremely abundant in the low salinity coastal waters. The fishes found in coastal waters can be divided into three types based upon their spawn- ing location. These are the freshwater fishes., the estuarine fishes and the marine fishes. The latter two are not precise due to an incomplete knowledge of the life history of some species and most often are lumped to- gether and refered to as saltwater fishes. 8 The following five catagories contain the fishes of the coastal area. 1 Freshwater Resident. Species spawning in fresh water and not normally found in brackish water. Individuals may on rare ocassions., such as during winter and spring floods, be found in areas which are usually brackish during low flow periods. 2 Fresh Water Entering Estuary. Species spawning in fresh water and which are commonly found in brackish water., although occurring most abundantly in fresh water. Juven iles are generally more abundant in brackish water than are adults. 3 Estuarine Resident. Species spawning in brackish., estuarine waters., and either remain in brackish waters as young and adult or as young migrate inland,to the brackish-freshwater interface or beyond into coripletely fresh water. Individuals are found in fresh waters along the coast, brackish bays and rivers., and marine waters for short dis- tances offshore. 4 Marine Entering Estuary. Species spawning in offshore, marine waters and comimnly enter estuaries as juveniles and to some extent as adults. As juveniles., some species enter fresh waters inland of brackish water penetration, some are found in slightly brackish waters and are common or rare in strictly fresh waters, while others are found only in the lower more saline parts of the estuary. 5 Marine Resident. Species spawning in offshore, marine waters and which only rarely stray into estuarine waters of the lower estuary. 9 Some species seldom come within 3 miles of our coastline and most migrate seaward during the low salinity and temperature periods during winter and early spring. Effects of Man's Activities on Fisheries Resources The two basic ways which man's activities detrimentally affect fisheries resources are reduction and alteration of aquatic habitat. Re- duction of available aquatic habitat by filling water areas in almost all instances has a permanent effect on fisheries resources while pbysioal or chemical alteration may have either a permanent or a temporary effect. Between 19.53 and 15071 approximately 2.,200 acres of estuar:Lne waters were filled to elevations above mean low tide. Filling of this water area resulted from construction of causeways., an airport., navigational channels and industrial and residential expansion. The areas filled range from small areas such as construction of a bulkhead along a water front lot to landfills of several hundred acres resulting from spoil disposal from navigational channels. Whether the filled area is removed from contribu- ting in any way to fisheries resources depends upon the elevation of the fill. Areas filled to an elevation of only slightly above the water sur- face eventually may become vegetated with marsh grasses or other vegetation contributing organic debris to the surrounding waters. It is well docu- mented that decomposition of vegetative matter contributes significantly 10 to the natural productivity of water areas. Considerable interest has re- cently been directed toward establishing marsh grasses on low-lying spoil banks of navigational channels in order to partially offset the loss of aquatic habitat resulting from channel construction and maintenance which is common place in most coastal areas. Physical and chemical alteration of aquatic habitat has most likely had a far greater effect upon our fisheries resources than physical reduction of available habitat. There is very little water area left in Mobile and Baldwin counties that has not been altered to some degree by man's activities. The few exceptions include parts of the eastern side of the Mobile Delta and some of the smaller bays and inland streams of both counties. Altered areas within the brackish waters of the two counties in- elude 131 miles of navigational channels dredged through 3,452 acres of waterbottoms for which 23,000 acres of additional waterbottoms: are used for spoil disposal. More than 73,000 acres of our coastal waters are per- manently closed to shellfish harvest and the remainder periodically closed due to high bacterial count in the water which is attributed in part to domestic and industrial pollution. Several hundred acres of water such as Chickasaw Creek, Three-mile Creek and portions of the Mobile River have been degraded by industrial effluents to a degree where they contribute very little to fisheries resources. Several hundred acres of coastal marsh- lands which at one time contributed to the productivity of our estuarine waters have been filled for industrial and residential expansion. Detri- mental effects of habitat alteration range from those that are immediately obvious such as a fish kill or an oil spill to those causing a gradual change in habitat which can be detected only after years of monitoring. Certain pollutants may notbe toxic to fishes but may be extremely toxic to fishfood organisms such as aquatic insects or crustaceans thereby re- ducing overall fisheries productivity. Other pollutants may accumulate within the flesh of fishes to a concentration where the fishes are no longer palatable or legally marketable. Discharge of effluents with high oxygen demand may cause temporary or permanent depression of dissolved oxygen con- tent of the water preventing fishes from utilizing a localized area. High water temperature and increases in salt content decrease the solubility of o.xygen causing low dissolved oxygen content in much of our coastal waters during summer. Addition of industrial or domestic effluents with high oxygen demand may have disasterous consequences, especially when discharged into small watercourses which have very little flow or flushing action. Channelization may be detrimental or beneficial depending upon circumstances. More species of fishes are found in the Mobile Ship Channel than on the adjacent bay flats due to the higher salt content of the bottom waters of the 40-foot channel. Channels which are considerably deeper than the adja- cent areas also provide a somewhat more temperate winter environment. Most channels., however,, have fewer species of fishes than unaltered adjacent areas due to reduction of habitat diversity. This is particularly true of channelization of small inland streams for so-called stream improvement projects. Deep channels,, such as the Mobile Ship Channel, cause saltwater 12 penetration into previously freshwater areas alteri ng the freshwater habi- tat. During periods of extreme low flow salt water has been detected in the Mobile River approximately 30 miles upstream from Mobile. The salt con- tent of the bottom water of the Mobile River at the L & N Railroad trestle is occasionally as high as at Dauphin Island. Saltwater penetration into freshwater areas causes changes in the species-composition of the fishes, aquatic invertebrates and aquatic vegetation of the area. Periodic mainte- nance is required on all channels to remove accumulated sediments. Dispo- sal of material from initial construction and maintenance of navigational channels has always been a problem in coastal areas. Historically, dredged spoil has been deposited in water adjacent to the channel or on land as close to the channel as possible to minimize dredging costs. Nonmotile bottom dwelling organisms, which are relatively important food items for many fishes, are destroyed by open water disposal and dredging sediment from the channel. Most of these bottom dwelling species become re-established after a period of time but periodic maintenance may prevent complete repopu- lation both in the channel and on the spoil area. Disposal of spoil mate- rial on land has covered many acres of productive marshland and almost one- half of a large bay in the Mobile Delta. Recent environmental concern over marshland destruction and rigid diking requirements have reduced this destruction to some degree. From a water quality standpoint., the smaller streams are more sensitive to environmental damage than are free flowing rivers or open bays 12 which are constantly being flushod by currents. Discharge of effluents in- to small tributary streams, especially brackish stream3 and bayous which normally have low dissolved oxygen during summer,, causes considerably more problems than if discharged into larger bodies of water. Physical altera- tion such as channel construction also has more pronounced effects on the smaller waterways. Fishes of.the marine, brackish and fresh waters of the coastal area of Alabama are listed in the following tables. 14 FISHES Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Lampreys Southern brook lamprey 1 R U Least brook lamprey R R Requiem. sharks Finetooth shark 4 U U R Blacknose shark 4 C U R Bull shark 4 C U R R Blacktip shark 4 C C R Silky shark 5 U Atlantic sharpnose shark 4 C U U Hammerhead sharks Scalloped hammerhead 4 U R R Bonnethead 4 C U R Smooth hammerhead 5 U SaWishes Smalltooth sawfish 4 R R R Guitarfishes Atlantic guitarfish 4 R R R. Electric rays Lesser electric ray 4 C C U Category: 1 - Freshwater Resident 2 - Freshwater Enter'ing Estuary 3 - Estuarine Resident 4 - Marine Entering Estuary 5 - Marine Resident C = Common U Uncommon R = Rare 15 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Skates Clearnose skate 4 C C R Freckled skate 4 R R R Roundel skate 4 C U U Stingrays Southern stingray 4 R R R Atlantic stingray 3 C C C U Bluntnose stingray 4 C C C Smooth butterfly ray 4 R R R Eagle rays Spotted eagle ray 4 R Cownose ray 4 U R R Manta rays Atlantic manta 4 R R R Sturgeons Atlantic sturgeon 2 R R R R Shovelnose sturgeon 1 R Paddlefishes Paddlefish 2 R U Gars Spotted gar 2 C C U Longnose gar 2 C C U Alligator gar 2 R R U U Bowfins Bowfin 1 U U 16 -------------- Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Tarpons Ladyfish 4 C C U Tarpon R R R Freshwater eels 'American eel 4 U U U U U Moray eels Blackedge moray 4 U U R Conger eels Bandtooth conger 5 U Yellow conger 4 R Snake eels Key worm eel 4 R Whip eel 4 U U U Sooty eel 4 U U Speckled worm eel 3 C C C R Shrimp eel 4 C C U Palespotted eel 5 R Herrings Alabama shad 2 R. R U Skipjack herring 2 C C C C Gulf menhaden 4 C C C C Yellowfin menhaden 4 R R R Gizzard shad 2 R R R C U Threadfin shad 2 U U C C U Scaled sardine 4 C C U R Atlantic thread herring 4 C C R Spanish sardine 5 R R 17 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- species Category Marine. Island Marshland land Upland Anchovies Striped anchovy 4 C 0 U R Dusky anchovy 4 U R R Bay anchovy 3 G C C C Ft, Flat anchovy 5 C U Mooneyes Mooneye 1 U Pikes '_,@,4edfin pickerel 2 R U C Chain.,pickerel U tj Re "-i 2 U C Lizar, lizardfish R R R Inshore lizardh'sh' R R R C. MinnWV R U @,@-Iverj aw,.m7pmo C gy k-1p U @ter -$_qx@fyln@:,4b nep.. A -T,a!L 4-ght 9W.@ er 3 Z4 e r Al". @sb kner IT 18 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Flagfin shiner 2 R U C Weed shiner 2 U C C Blacktail shiner 1 C C Mimic shiner 1 R R Bullhead minnow 1 U U Creek chub 1 R U Suckers Quillback 1 R Highfin carpsucker 1 U Blue sucker 1 R Creek chubsucker 1 R U Lake chubsucker 2 R U R Sharpfin chubsucker 2 U C Smallmouth buffalo 2 R C Spotted sucker 1 U U Blacktail redhorse 1 U C Freshwater catfishes Blue catfish 2 U C R Yellow bullhead 1 U U Brown bul.1head 2 R U U Channel catfish 2 U C R Black madtom 1 U U Tadpole madtom. 1 U U Speckled raadtom 1 U C Freckled madtom 1 R C Flathead catfish 1 U R Sea catfishes Sea catfish 3 C C C R Gafftopsail catfish 3 U U U R Pirate perches Pirate perch 2 R U U 19 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland, Toadfishes Gulf toadfish 3 C C U Atlantic rddshipman 3 C C U Clingfishes Skilletfish 3 U U Frogfishes Singlespot frogfish 4 U R R R Sargassum fish 5 R R R Batfishes Pancake batfish 5 R Shortnose batfish 4 R R R Polka-dot batfish 5 R Codfishes Southern hake 4 C R U Spotted hake 4 C R U Cusk-eels Bearded brotula 5 U Crested cusk-eel 4 U U U Flyingfishes & Halfbeaks Atlantic flyingfish 5 R R Ballyhoo 5 R Halfbeak 4 U U R Needlefishes Flat needlefish 5 R Atlantic needlefish 3 C C C U Timucu 4 R R Houndfish 4 R R 20 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island. Marshland land Upland Killifishes Diamond killifish 3 C R R Sheepshead minnow 3 C U R Golden topmimnoW 2 R U R Marsh kilLifish 3 C U Gulf killifish 3 C C R Saltmarsh topminnow 3 C C Blackstripe toPminnOw 1 R Starhead topminnow 2 U U U Blackspotted topminnow 2 R C C Longnose killifish 3 C U pygrny killifish 1 R R Rainwater kill i fish 3 R Livebearers Mosquitofish 2 C C C U Sailfin molly 3 C U R Silversides Brook silverside 2 R U U Rough silverside 3 C C U Tidewater silverside 3 C C C U Pipefishes & Seahorses Lined seahorse 4 U U R Dusky pipefish 4 R R R Chaim pipefish 4 C C U Gulf pipefish 3 U C C R Temperate Basses White bass 1 U Yellow bass 2 R U Striped bass 2 R R 21 Delta River Barrier Estuarine &iamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Sea Basses Rock sea bass 4 C U U Dwarf sand perch 4 C R Speckled hind 5 R R Red grouper 5 R Warsaw grouper 5 R Black grouper 4 U R Belted sandfish 5 U Soapfishes 'Whitespotted soapfish 5 R Sunfishes Rock bass 1 U U Plier 1 R R Everglades pygmy sunfish 2 R U U Banded pygmy sunfish 1 C U Bluespotted sunfish 2 C Green sunfish 1 R R Warmouth 2 U C U Orangespotted sunfish 1 U Bluegill 2 C C U Dollar sunfish 2 R R Longear sunfish 2 R C U Redear sunfish 2 C C U Spotted sunfish 2 C U U Spotted bass 1 C C Largemouth bass 2 C C C Black crappie 2 R C 'White crappie 1 C Perches Crystal darter 1 U U Naked sand darter U C Scaly sand darter R R Brown darter R Swamp darter U Johnny darter R 22@ Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Io'll-and Marshland land Upland Cypress darter 1 U U Speckled darter Gulf darter R R Banded darter R Yellow perch R Freckled darter R Blackbanded darter R C Log perch R U Walleye, R Bluefishes Bluefish 4 C C R Cobias Cobia. 4 C U R Remoras Sharksucker 4 U R Jacks & Pompanos African pompano R R Blue runner 4 C C R Crevalle jack 4 C C C R Horse-eye jack 5 R R Atlantic bumper 4 C C C Round scad 5 R Rainbow runner 5 R Bluntnose jack 4 R R R Leatherjacket 4 U U U Bigeye scad 5 R Lookdown, 4 U U R Greater anberjack 5 U U Almaco jack 5 R. R Florida pompano 4 C C U Permit 4 U U R Palometa 5 R R 23 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland CD I Rough scad 5 R Atlantic moonfish 4 C C U Dolphins Dolphin 5 R Snappers Red snapper 4 C U R Gray snapper 4 C U U R Lane snapper 4 U U R Tripletail Tripletail 4 U U U mojarras Spotfin mojarra 4 C C C R Silver jenny 4 U U U Grunts Pigfish 4 C C U Porgies Sheepshead 4 C C C U Pinfish 4 C C C Longspine porgy 4 U U U Drms Freshwater drum C Silver perch 4 C C 0 R Sand seatrout 3 C C C U Spotted seatrout 3 C C C U Silver seatrout 4 C U R R Banded drum 4 C C U Spot 4 C C C R Southern kingfish 4 C C U 24 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Minkfish 4 R R R Gulf kingfish 4 C C R Atlantic croaker 4 C C C U Black drum 4 C C C R Red drum 4 C C U R Star drum 4 R R R Spadefishes Atlantic spadefish 4 C C U Parrotfishes 1herald parrotfish 5 R R Mullets Striped mullet 4 C C C C 'White mullet 4 U U R Barracudas Great barracuda 5 R R Northern sennet 5 C C Guaguanche 4 U U R Threadfins Atlantic threadfin 4 U U U Stargazers Southern stargazer 4 C C R Blennies Seaweed blenny 4 R R Striped blenny 3 U Florida blenny 3 R Crested blenny 3 R R Feather blenny 3 R Freckled blenny 3 C C -25 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland. land Upland Sleepers Fat sleeper 3 C U Spinycheek sleeper 3 U U R Emerald sleeper 3 R Gobies Frillfin goby 3 R Lyre goby 3 U R Violet goby 3 U U Darter goby 3 C C R Sharptail goby 3 C C Freshwater goby 3 U R Naked goby 3 C C R Twoscale goby 3 R R Clown goby 3 C 0 R Green goby 3 U U Wormfishes Pink worafish 3 R Cutlassfishes Atlantic cutlassfish 4 C C C R Mackerels & Tunas Wahoo 5 R Little tunny ("borLiLta") 5 C Atlantic bonito 5 R King mackerel 5 C U Spanish mackerel 4 C C U Blackfin tuna 5 R Billfishes Sailfish 5 R 26. Delta River Barriur Estuarine -)WIml)- Species Category Marine I s land Mca-shland larld Upland Butterfishes Man-of-war fish 4 R R R Harvestfish 4 C C U Gulf butterfish 4 C U R Scorpionfishes Barbfish 4 U U Smoothhead scorpionfish 4 U R Searobins Blackfin searobin 4 C U U Blackwing searobin 4 C U R Leopard searobin 4 U U U Bighead searobin 4 C C C R Flounders Ocel I ated flounder 4 C C C Bay whiff 4 C C C R Spotted whiff 4 U U U Mexican flounder 4 U R Fringed flounder 4 C C R Gulf flounder 4 U U R Southern flounder 4 C C R Broad flounder U U Soles Lined sole 4 U U U R Hogchoker 3 C C C C Tonguefishes Offshore tonguefish 4 C C U Blackcheek tonguefish 4 C C C R 27 Delta River Barrier Estuarine Swamp- Species Category Marine Island Marshland land Upland Triggerfishes & Filefishes Orange filefish 4 C U R Gray triggerfish 4 R Planehead filefish 4 C C U Boxfishes Scrawled cowfish 4 U U Puffers Smooth puffer 4 U R R Southern puffer 4 R R R Least puffer 4 C C C Porcupinefishe"s Striped burrfish 4 C U U 28 BIRDS OF THE COASTAL AREA OF ALABAMA James E. Keeler Game and Fish Division Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Introduction A total of 313 birds occur sometime during the year in the two coastal counties of Alabama. Some are permanent residents, others are found during the breeding season, while others spend the winter months in this area as their southernmost range. Twenty-three other species of birds are rare transients that frequent this area on an average of once every twenty- five years. These are accidentals and do not normally.range here. Some birds have become extinct such as the Carolina Parakeet and the Passenger Pigeon. Others are in the midst of range extensions. The Brown-headed Cowbird and the Robin although not known to breed in southern Alabama twenty years ago now breed as far south as Mobile. Certain species of birds experience difficulty in their attempt to adapt to environmental changes. These are the specialists--and strict specialization can lead to extinction. These species possess at least one weak link in their life cycle which may be related to obtaining food, ad- justing to changes in habitat, or show susceptability to certain pesticides or other chemicals released in their environment. A drastic change of this type may bring on extinction very quickly. 29 Like other forms of life, bird populations are not stable. But neither is the environment. Birds are good indicators of environmental change. When their habitat - whether nesting, feeding or resting is changed - an immediate response will be noted, especially among birds in restricted ranges. Acts of nature such as plant succession, hurricanes, tornados, flooding and fire are constantly changing the habitat. Add man's manipula- tion of the environment as another ingredient and the habitat is certain to change, often extensively and.drastically. Large scale man-made chang es in the environment are noticeable to most people. River impoundments., clear-cutting,, dredging and filling, urban expansion and highway construction are good examples. Not so notice- able are such changes as small stream channelization, clean farming and ad- ditional housing which have an impact on the ecosystem. . The use and., especially the misuse, of pesticides,, herbicides and certain other chemical pollutants are an invisible force that definitely effects the environment. These can change the range and populations of birds very quickly. An excellent example is the Brown Pelican. Until 1957, the Brown Pelican was considered abundant along the Alabama gulf coast. Since that time., the local population was almost decimated by the widespread use of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, especially DDT. The population declined from about 1,800 birds in 1956 to about 60 birds in 1971. Since the use of DDT and its allies has been banned or restricted,, the Brown Peli- can population is again increasing. In 1974, approximately 400 birds were recorded on the Alabama coast. 30 Of all vertebrate animals, birds are by far the most frequently observed and admired by the human population. Since birds occupy almost every ecological niche, they are commonly observed daily by most persons as they go about their everyday activities. This aesthetic value is impos- sible to convert into dollars and cents. Each year hundreds of professional and amateur ornithologists visit the various habitat types of the Alabama coast to study and observe birds. These activities include banding., count- ing, and the compiling of a list of all birds seen during a specified period. Dauphin Island and the Fort Morgan Peninsula are areas recognized by ornithologists throughout the nation as "top birding areas". Due to their location, these barrier islands act as rest stops for migratory birds on their way to and from Central and South America. Migratory birds from Canada., the New England States and in fact,, most of the states in the eastern half of the United States, funnel into this area for their southward flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Thus, the destruction of this habitat would. produce profound effects on many species of birds in eastern North America. The two coastal counties of Alabama provide excellen t and diverse recreation for the sport hunter. All species of game birds found in Alabama are also present in Mobile and Baldwin counties. This area could be con- sidered a sportsman's para dise. Mourning doves, waterfowl, coots,, turkeys, quail., snipe, woodcock and rail provide sport hunters thousands of recrea- tional days per year. During the 1974-75 hunting season, sportsmen could pursue some kind of game bird from October 5 to February 28, or a period of five months. 31 Dove hunting provides the sportsmen with the most number of re- creation days, followed by quail, waterfowl and coot hunting. Dove hunting is becoming more Limited in Mobile and Baldwin counties at the present time due to changes in farming procedures'where the dual crop season is now being used. Once a crop is harvested,, the land is immediately plowed and prepared for planting of the next crop. This procedure is not conductive to good dove management since waste grain is not allowed to remain on top of the ground over an extended period. Approximately three and one-fourth million doves are harvested throughout Alabama each year by over a hundred thousand hunters. No survey has been conducted in just the two coastal counties; however, it is safe to assume that over 200,000 doves are harvested annual- ly each year in this area. Waterfowl and coot hunting above and below Battleship Parkway pro- vides recreation for a large number of hunters. Although waterfowl popula- tions have decreased in the area in recent years it is due primarily to "short-stopping" of ducks and geese in the more northern states during the winter months. The Mobile Ba y area produces food for ten times as many ducks that now frequent this area during the fall and winter. Aerial surveys show the duck population in Mobile Bay in 1974 to total 6,300 ducks and 21,800 coots. Duck hunters kill approximate1y one duck and three coots per hunt- ing trip in Mobile Bay. Quail hunting provides sportsmen with a number of recreation days in the upland areas of Mobile and Baldwin counties. They are more commonly found in the agricultural areas. 32 The wild turkey is abundant in the upland wooded areas in the northern half of the coastal counties. This species is considered a "trophy bird" by most hunters and choice hunting areas are usually leased by vari- ous sportsmen's clubs and hunting practices and procedures are strictly regulated by these clubs. The Common Snipe., Woodcock, and the various species of rails and gallinules are present during the winter months for the specialized hunter. These birds provide some hunter recreation., however they are not harvested in large numbers since most sportsmen are not familiar with their secretive habits and lack the knowledge and incentive to pursue them. Since Alabama contains only small acreages of barrier islands and estuarine and marshland habitat., it is extremely important that the remain- ing wild areas be preserved in their natural state. Continued human en- chroachment and expansion of beach cottages., roads and industrial sites could quickly eliminate the habitat for numerous species of birds that are adapted to these unique areas in this state. Nesting sites for gulls, terns and other coastal birds are fast disappearing. Future plans for any type of construction should include considerations for the well-being of these bird populations. 33 BIRDS Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and marine Island Marshland Swampland Common Loon C_FWS C_W C_W R-Su Red-throated Loon R-W R-W Horned Grebe C-PWS C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS Eared Grebe R-FWS R-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Pied-billed Grebe C_W R-Su-B C_FWS C_FWS R-Su-B Greater Shearwater R-SuF R-F C_FWS White Pelican U-FWS U-Su U_FWS C-Sus C-Sus C-Sus Brown Pelican U-F U-F U-P R-W R-W R-W Gannet C_WS R-WS C-FWS Double-crested Cormorant R-Su C-FWS C_FWS Anhinga U-B-P C-Ssur magnificent Frigate-bird R-W C-SSuF R-Su Great White Heron R-SuF R-Su Great Blue Heron M C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C P C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B Green Heron R-W R-W C-SSuF-B C_SSuF1 C = Common S = Spring M = Migrants U = Uncommon Su = Summer P = Permanent Resident R = Rare F = Fall B = Breeds W = Winter 3 4 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine island Marshland Swampland Upland Little Blue Heron M C-SSuF-B C-P-B C-P-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B Cattle Egret M C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B R-W R-W C-SSuF Reddish Egret M R-W C-SSu.F Great Egret M R-W C-SSuFW C-SSuFW-B C_SSuF-B Snowy Egret M C-SSuFW-13 C-SSuFW C-SSuFW-B C-SSuF-B Louisiana Heron M C-SSuFW-B C-SSuFW-B C-SSuFW-B U-SU Black-crowned Night Heron R-P-B R-P-B R-P-B Yellow-crowned Night Heron C-SSuFW C-SSuFW C-SSuFW-B -SuF C-SSuF-B Least Bittern M R-W C-SSuF-B R-SSuF-B American Bittern U-FWS U-FWS U_FWS Wood Stork U-SF U-SuF Glossy Ibis R-SSuF-B lWhite-faced This R-SuF C-SSuF-B White This M C-SF C-SF R-W R-SF Canada Goose U_W U_W I-White-fronted Goose R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS C-F C-F C-F I Snow Goose M R-WS R-WS R-WS R-F C-F C-F C-F Blue Goose M R-WS R-WS R-WS R-F Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland Upland Fulvous Tree Duck R-FS R-FS Mallard m U-FS U_Fs C-FWS U-FS Black Duck m U-FS C-FWS Mottled Duck R-SSu-B R-FWS R-FWS Gadwall m U-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U-FS Pintail m U-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U_Fs Green-winged Teal M. C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U-FS Blue-winged Teal C-M C-P-B C-P C-P C-FS American Widgeon m C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U-FS Shoveler M. C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U-FS Wood Duck m C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Redhead m C-FWS C-FWS U-FWS Ring-necked Duck M. U-FWS U-FWS C-FWS C Canvasback m C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Greater Scaup M R-FWS R-FWS Lesser Scaup C-m C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su Conunon Goldeneye U-WS U-WS Bufflehead m C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS 36 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Ma-rine Island Marsbland Swampland Upland Oldsquaw M R-WS R-WS White-winged Scoter R-FWS Surf Scoter R-FWS Common Scoter R-FWS Ruddy Duck M C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FS R-FWS Hooded Merganser R-FWS R-Su-B Common Merganser R-W C_F"WS C-FWS Red-breasted Merganser R-Su R-Su C-FWS C-FWS Turkey Vulture R-P C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Black Vulture R-P R-P R-P-B Swallow-tailed Kite R-S R-SSu R-SSuF R-SSu Mississippi Kite R-SF R-Su R-SSuF R-SSu Sharp-shinned Hawk R-SW R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS U-F Cooper's Hawk R-SF R-SF R-SF R-SF rRed-tailed Hawk C-SFW C-SFW C-SFW C-SFW R-Su-B R-Su-B Red-shouldered.Hawk U-SFW U-SFW U-SFW U-SFW Broad-winged Hawk R-S R-SW R-W C-SSuF-B C-F C-F C_SF Rough-legged Hawk R-W R-W R-W R-W R 7 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and marine Island Marshland Swampland Upland Golden Eagle R-W Bald Eagle M R-FWS R-FWS R-FW S Marsh Hawk C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Osprey M U-SSuF-B U-SSuF-B U-SSuF-B U-SF R-W R-W Peregrine.Falcon M R-FS Merlin M American Kestrel M C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Bobwhite R-P-B C-P-B Turkey C-P-B Sandbill Crane R-FWS King Rail R-P-B R-P-B R-P-B Clapper Rail C-P-B C-P-B U-P-B Virgihia Rail C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Sora C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Yellow Rail R-W Black Rail R-SSuF-B R-S Purple Gallinule U-SSuF-B U-SSuF-B U-SSuF Common Gallinule C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B 38 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland swampland American-Coot C-FWS C-FWS C_rWS C-FWS U-Su.-B U-Su-B U-Su-B American Oystercatcher R-P-B R-P-B Semipalmated Plover C-FWS C-FWS C_FWS Piping Plover C-FWS C-FWS Snowy Plover M R-P-B Wilson's Plover U-SSuF-B Killdeer R-W U_W C_FWS C-FWS American Golden Plover M C-S R-S R-F Black-bellied Plover C-FWS C-FWS C_FWS R-Su R-Su R-Su C-FWS Ruddy Turnstone M R-Su, American woodcock C_W @C_P_B MI Common Snipe U-FWS U-FWS C_FWS C-FWS Long-billed Curlew U-S Whimbrel C-S R-FW Upland Plover C-S C-S R-SuF R-SuF C-SP C-SP C-SF Spotted Sandpiper C-SF R-W R-W R-W Solitary Sandpiper C-SP C_SF C-SF C-SF Willet C-P-B U-P-B C-P-B 39 Estuarine Rivcr Delta Barrier and and marine Island 114arshland Swampland Upland Greater Yellowlegs C-FWS C-SF C-FWS U-SF R-Su R-Su C-FS Lesser Yellowlegs U_W C-SF C-FWS U_SF R-Su R-Su Knot M u_SSuFw Pectoral Sandpiper M C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF White-rumped Sandpiper R-S R-S Baird's Sandpiper R-SF Least Sandpiper C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su Dunlin C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Short-billed Dowitcher C_FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su Long-billed Dowitcher U-SF U-Sr U-SF R-Su Stilt Sandpiper U-SF U-SF U-SF Semipalmated Sandpiper C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Western Sandpiper C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS Buff-breasted Sandpiper U-F R-F R-F R-S Marbled Godwit U-F U-F U_F R-WS R-S R-S Sanderling C-SSuFw C_SSuFW C-SSuFW American Avocet U-FS U-FS C-FWS Black-necked Stilt U-FS I-U FS -1 U_SSuF-B 40 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Swampland Marine Island Marshland Upland Red Phalarope U_W Wilson's Phalarope R-SuF R-S Northern Phalarope R-F Pomarine Jaeger R-FS R-FS Parasitic Jaeger R- FWS R-FS Great Black-backed Gull R-S R-FW Herring Gull C-FWS C-FWS. C-FWS C-FWS R-Su R-Su Ring-billed Gull C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su. R-Su Laughing Gull C-P C-P C-P C-P Bonaparte's Gull C-FWS C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS Gull-bi2led Tern U-SSuF-B U-SSuF R-W R-W Forster's Tern C-P C-P-B C-P C-P Common Tern U-P R-P R-P R-P Least Tern C-Su C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B Royal Tern C-P C-P C-P C-P Sandwich Tern C-P C-SSuF C-SSuF C-Su R-W R-W Caspian Tern C-P C-P C-P Black Tern C-Su C-SSuF C-SSuF C-SSuF 41 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland Upland Black Skimmer C-P C-P-B C-P C-P Rock Dove C-P-B C-P-B White-winged Dove R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS Mourning Dove C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Ground Dove C-SSuF-B C-SF C-SF C-SSuF- R-W Yellow-billed Cuckoo C-SF C-SSu.F-Ij_ Black-billed Cuckoo U-SF U-SF C-FWS C_FWS Barn Owl R-Su-B R-Su-B Screech Owl C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Great Horned Owl C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Burrowing Owl R-FW R-FW Barred Owl C-P-B C-P-B C_ P-B C-P-B Long-eared Owl R-FW Short-eared Owl R-FW R-FW Chuck-will's-widow C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C_sSuF- R-W Whip-poor-will R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS Common Nighthawk C-SSuF-B C-SSUF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF- Chimney Swift C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSUF-B C_SSuFj 42 Estuarine River Delta Darrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland __UpIan1__ Ruby-throated Hummingbird C_SF C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SF_ R-Su B Rufous Hummingbird R-FWS R-FWS V Belted Kingfisher C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-P-B R-Su-B R-Su-B R-Su-B Yellow-shafted Flicker C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Pileated Woodpecker R-P-B C-P-B C-P-B --A Red-bellied Woodpecker C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Red-headed Woodpecker U-SF U-SF C-P-B C-P-B R-SuW R-Su-W Yellow-bellied Sapsucker C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS C-FWS Hairy-Woodpecker R-P-B R-P-B U-P-B U@P-B Downy Woodpecker C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Red-coc"kaded Woodpecker R-P-B R-P-B Eastern Kingbird C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF Gray Xingbird U-SSuF-B U_SF Western Kingbird C-F R-FS R-WS Scissor-tailed Flycatcher C-P R-FS R-FS R-SSuW .Great Crested Flycatcher C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSUF@I-p Ash-throated Flycatcher R-FS R-F Eastern Phoebe C_FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-Flqs 43 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland Upland ,-bellied Flycatcher R-FS R-FS VAcadia.n Flycatcher C-SF U-SF U-SSUF-B U-SSuF-B Trail's Flycatcher U-SF Least Flycatcher R-SF Eastern Wood Pewee C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B Olive-sided Flycatcher R-SF Vermillion Flycatcher R-FW Tree Swallow C_FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Bank Swallow R-SF R-SF R-SF R-SF Rough-winged Swallow C_SF C-SP C-SF C-SSuF-B R-W R-W Barn Swallow M C-SSuF-B C-SF C-SSuF-B C-SF Cliff Swallow R-SF R-SF R-SF Purple"Martin C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSUF-B Blue Jay' C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-P-B Common Crow C-P-B Fish Crow C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Carolina Chickadee C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Tufted Titmouse U-P-B U-P-B C-P-B C-P-B 44 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland sw@pplELnd Upland White-breasted Nuthatch U-P-B U-P-B Red-breasted Nuthatch U-FWS R-FWS R-'F'WS Brown-headed Nuthatch C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Brown Creeper R-FWS R-FWS U-FWS U-FWS House Wren C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS U_FWS Winter Wren U-FWS U-FWS C-FWS U-FWS Bewick's Wren R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS Carolina Wren C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Long-billed Marsh Wren C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Short-billed Marsh Wren C-FWS C-FWS U-FWS U-FWS Mockingbird C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Catbird C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS U-FWS Brown Thrasher C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Robin C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su. R-Su R-Su-B Wood Thrush C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF- Hermit Thrush C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS C-FUS Swainson's Thrush C-FS C-FS C-FS C-FS Gray-cheeked Thrush C-FS U_FS C-FS U-FS 45 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Islaiid Marshland Swampland Upland Veery C-FS U_FS C-FS U-FS Eastern Bluebird C-FWS C-FWS C_FWS C-P-B Blue-gray Gnatcatcher C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF7B R-W R-W R-W R- Golden-crowned Kinglet U-FW U-FW U-FW C-FW R-S R-S R-S R-S Ruby-crowned Kinglet C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Water Pipit U_FS U_FWS C-FWS C_FWS Sprague's Pipit R-W Cedar Waxwing C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-Fas R-Su Loggerhead Shrike C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Starling C-P-13 C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B C-SSuF_BI white-eyed Vireo R-W R-W R-W R-W C-SF C-SF Yellow-throated Vireo C-SF C-SF R-W U-Su-B U-Su-B Solitary Vireo U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS Black-whiskered Vireo R-S Red-eyed Vireo C-FS C-FS C-SSuF-B C_SSuF-BI Philadelphia Vireo R-FS R-FS Warbling Vireo R-FS Black and White Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF R-W R-W R-W R-W 46 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swam land Upland Prothonotary Warbler C-SSuF-B C-SSuP-B C-SSuF-B C-SSUF-B Swainson's Warbler U-SF U-SF U-SSuF-B U-SF Worm-eating Warbler C-S C-S C-S U-SF U_F U-F U-F Golden-winged Warbler R-SF R-SF R-SF Blue-winged Warbler C-S C-S C-S U_F U_F U-F Tennessee Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF orange-crowned Warbler U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS C-SF C-SSUP-B Parula Warbler R-Su-B R-W C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-B Yellow Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF Magnolia Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SP C-SF Cape May Warbler U-S R-F Myrtle Warbler C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Black- t*hroated Gray Warbler R-FS Black-throated Green Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF R-W R-W Cerulean Warbler R-SF R-SF R-SF Blackburnian Warbler U-SF U-SF U-SF U-SF U-SF U-SSuF-B U-SSuF-E Yellow-throated Warbler R-W R-W R-W R-W R-Su-B R-Su-B Chestnut-sided Warbler U-SF U-SF U-SF 47 Estuarine River Delta Barrier cand and Marine Island Marshland Swampland UpI arid Bay-breasted Warbler U-SF U-SF U-SF Blackpoll Warbler M C-S C-S C-S C-S Pine Warbler C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Prairie Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF R-Su-BI Palm Warbler C-SF U-FWS U-FWS U-EIWS U-W Ovenbird. C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF Northern Waterthrush M C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF Louisiana Waterthrush C-SSU C-Ssu C-SSU C-Ssu R-F R-F R-F R-F C-SF Kentucky Warbler C-SF C-SF U-Su-B C-SSuF-B Connecticut Warbler R-F Mourning Warbler R-F Yellowthroat C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-SF C-SF Yellow-@breasted Chat R-W C-SF C-SF R-Su-B R-W R-Su-B Hooded Warbler C-SF C-SF C-SSuF-B C-SSU R-Su-B 4 Wilson's Warbler R-SF Canada Warbler R-SF American Redstart C-SF C-SF C-SF C-SF U-Su-B House Sparrow C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B 48 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland Upland olink C-S C-S C-S U-F U-F U-F Eastern Meadowlark C-FWS C-FWS C-P-B' C-P-B Western Meadowlark R-FW R-FW Yellow-headed Blackbird R-FWS Redwinged Blackbird C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B orchard oriole C-SSu-B C-SSu-B C-SSu-B C-SSu-B Bal.timore Oriole U-SF U-SF U-SF U-SF R-W Rusty Blackbird U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS Brewor'.,s Blackbird C-FWS- C-FWS C-FWS Boat-tailed Grackle C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Common Grackle C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Brown-headed Cowbird C-FWS C-FWS C-P-B C-P-B U-SU-B U-Su-B Western Tanager U-F R-WS Scarlet Tanager C-SF C-SF C-SF Summer Tanager C-SF C-SF C-SSuF-B C-SSuF-) Cardinal C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Rose-breasted Grosbeak C-SF C-SF C-SF U-SF Black-headed Grosbeak R-FWS R-FWS 49 Riv(.!r Delt@a Ba r 1: 1 (-! r and Marine Island Marshlai)d Swamplaild Upland Blue Grosbeak C-SP C-SF C-SF C-SF R-Su-B Indigo Bunting C-SF C-SF C-SF C_SF R-W R-W R-W R-Su-B Painted Bunting M C-S C-S C-S R-SF U-F U-F R-SuF Dickcissel R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS R-Su-B Evening Grosbeak R-WS R-WS Purple Finch R-WS R-WS U-WS U-FWS Pine Siskin R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS American Goldfinch C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Rufous-sided Towhee C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B C-P-B Savannah Sparrow C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Grasshopper Sparrow U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS U_FWS LeConte's Sparrow R-W R-W R-W R-W Henslow's Sparrow R-W R-W R-W Sharp-tailed Sparrow C-FWS C-FWS Seaside Sparrow C-P-B C-P-B Vesper Sparrow U-FWS U-FWS C-FWS C_FWS Lark Sparrow R-FWS Bachman's Sparrow R-F R-P-B _LC 50 Estuarine River Delta Barrier and and Marine Island Marshland Swampland UpL@@nd Ilate-colored Junco U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS U-FWS Ihipping Sparrow U-FWS U-FWS C-FWS C_FWS R-Su-B Ilay-colored Sparrow R-FW R-FW eld Sparrow C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS R-Su R-Su-B C-F C-F C-F Ihite-crowned Sparrow U-WS U-WS U-WS U-FWS t ite-throated Sparrow C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS Fox Sparrow R-W R-W R-W U_W Lincoln's Sparrow R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS R-FWS Swamp.Sparrow C_FWS C-FWS C_FWS C-FWS ng Sparrow C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS C-FWS MAMMALS OF COASTAL COUNTIES IN ALABAMA Ralph H. Allen, Jr. Game and Fish Division Montgomery, Alabama 36130 Introduction Baldwin and Mobile are Alabama's only coastal counties. Baldwin County has the further distinction of containing more acres of land and water than any other county east of the Mississippi River. Because of their geographic location Baldwin and Mobile counties contain a diversity of habitats that provides a desirable environment for a wide avriety of mammals. These habitats include the gulf, barrier islands, sand beaches, dunes, salt and brackish bays., marshes., fresh water streams, lakes, wet swamps, dry swamps., upland forests and cultivated fields. Some species of mammals, such as the beach mice,, require a very selective habitat while other species like deer are able to adapt to a variety of habitats. Any disturbance such as extensive construction of cot- tages or building on the sand dunes nearest the surf could result in the extirpation of the entire population of the beach mice within the state. Deer on the other extreme are overpopulated and are causing severe damage to agricultural crops and natural vegetation in large areas of Baldwin County. 52 Other Plan-initiated changes in the environment that pose a seri- ous threat to mammals include stream channelization, clear-cutting followed by pine monoculture., urban expansion., highway construction., draining of marshes and swamps, and pesticides. At least three species of mammals not originally native to Baldwin and Mobile counties are now common in many areas within the counties. These are the red fox., armadillo and the nutria. Rare and endangered species found within the counties include the Florida black bear., the cougar, two species of beach mice and three species of bats. A 1970 report of a cross between a red wolf and a coy-ote was re- ported from Mobile County. Further studies now indicate that this animal was probably a coyote rather than a cross as was first reported. A more intensive study of the mammals of these two counties is needed. Such studies could possibly identify additional mammal species that have not been reported to date. 53 RIVER DELTA "OKMO\ BARRIOR ISLAND ESTUARINE & MARSHLAND AND SWA@a)LAND UPLAND I I NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME MARINE HABITAT IIABITAT 11ABITAT HABITAT 1JAPUIAZ_ Opossum Didelphis marsupialis - C C C c Carolina Short- tailed Shrew Blarina brevicauda carolinensis - C-U C-U Least Shrew Cryptotis p.parva - u u Howell Mole Scalopus aquaticus howclli - u u u Star-nosed Mole Condylura c. cristata - - R or A R or P. Southeastern Bat Miyotis a. austroriparius - - R u Big Brown Bat Eptesicus f. fuscus - - R u u Red Bat Lasiurus b. borealis - - R C C Seminole Bat Lasiurus seminolus - - u C C Hoary Bat Lasiurus c. cinereus - - R R R Yellow Bat Lasiurus intermedius floridanus - - R u u Evenin- Bat Nycticeius h. humeralis - - R C C Brazilian Free- tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala u u Nino-bandcd Armadillo Dasypus novenicinctus mcxicanus C C m 'm RIVER DELTA BARRIOR ISLAND ESTUARINE 6 MARSHLAIND AND SWAMPLAND UPLAND COKMON =%' E SCIENTIFIC NAME MARINE HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT ILABITAT PT *Marsh Rabbit Sylvilagus p. palustris - R C C U Cottontail Rabbit Sylvilagus floridanus - U R U, C Swamp Rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus - U U C U Gray Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis - C C C Bachman Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger bachmani - - U C Southern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys volans saturatus - - U C Southeastern Pocket Gopher Geomys pinetis mobilensis - - U Beaver Castor canadensis carolinensis - - C C 01 C C U Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys p. palustris Eastern Harvest R R R 1,lo u s e Reithroaontomys humulis Old Field Mouse Peromyscus p. polionotus U C White-fronted Beach Mouse Peromyscus polionotus ammobates Florida Beach Mouse Peromyscus polionotus LrissyllepSiS Cotton Mouse Peromyscus g. gossypinus R C C RIVER DELTA BARRIOR ISLAND ESTUARINE & MARSHLAND AND SWAl-UPLAND UPIA,\YD COM!@IION NitNIE SCIENTIFIC NAME MARINE HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT Golden Mouse Ochrotomys nuttalli aureolus - C C Hispid Cotton Rat Signodon h. hispidus - R C C C Wood Rat Neotoma floridana - C C Louisiana Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus rivalicus - C C C C Black Rat Rattus rattus - C C C C Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus - C C C C norvegicus 11ouse Mouse Mus musculus brcvirostris - C C C C Nutria Myocastor coypus bonariensis - C C C Coyote Canis latrans - R Red Fox Vulpes fulva - C Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus - U C Florida Black Bear Ursus americanus floridanus U U Raccoon Procyon lotor C C C C Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata olivacea R or A R or A RIVER DELTA BLWIOR ISLAND ESTUARINE & [email protected]_ND AND SWA-1,11PLAIND UPLAND COKNION, NILME SCIENTIFIC 'NAME MARINE HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT HABITAT I W,]1LT_ - C C Hink Mustela vison mink - C Spotted Skunk Spilogale p. putorius - U U C C Stripped Skunk Mephitis mephitis - U U U C River Otter Lutra c. canadensis - U C C U Mountain Lion Feli s concolor coryi - R R R Bobcat Lynx rufus floridanus - U C C White-tailed Deer Dama virginiana - U U A A Atlantic Bottle- nosed Daulphin Tursiops truncatus C - Black Pilot Whale Globicephala R - California Sea Lion Zalophus cilifornianus R - West Indies Seal Monachus tropicalis P - Goose-backed Whale Ziphius cavirostris P - Sei Whale Balaenoptera borealis P - Pygma Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps P - Dwarf Pygma Sperm Vhale 1(ogia siomus P - Fineback Whale Balacnoptera physalus P - SY1HBOLS C-Co(mnon, J-Uncommon, rv-Rarc@ A-Absent and P-Possible- (Specimens known from Gulf.) *Found only in Baldwin County 3994 3666814104