Birds (non-game)

Since man started keeping records, about 380 species of birds have been seen and recorded in the area now known as Alabama. Some of these birds are now extinct--the Carolina parakeet and the passenger pigeon, for example. Other species, although not extinct, are rarely seen in the state today. The American flamingo, for example, has not been seen in Alabama in about 100 years.

While some species have either disappeared or become scarce, others have increased in numbers and have extended their breeding ranges into Alabama. The barn swallow, brown-headed cowbird, robin, and cattle egret are examples of the latter.

About 355 species of birds may be seen in Alabama today; 46 species are game birds, and the other 309 species are non-game. Many of Alabama's birds are year-round residents. Others are present only during the summer or winter. Still other species merely pass through the state on fall and spring migrations. A few species are seen only on rare occasions.

The information contained herein is intended for the common non-game birds of Alabama farms and forest lands, and for birds that are easily attracted to homes and urban areas.

Life Histories

Life histories vary a great deal, of course. Occasionally, small birds live five to ten years or more, but most of them die within a year or two. In most cases, annual mortality ranges from 50 to 90 percent. Birds in captivity usually live longer than those in the wild.

Place in Planning

Suitable habitat can be retained, created, or maintained on nearly all kinds of land. As a rule, it is easier and less expensive to retain habitat than to create it. Landscape plantings around homes and other buildings provide habitat for many species. Hedge rows, field borders, forest lands, and other areas provide habitat for still other species. Beautification plantings along highways and in other places may provide suitable habitat, also.

Habitat Needs

No two species have identical, year-round habitat needs. All require food, cover, and water. Frequently, many species occupy the same general area. In such cases, each species fits into a different ecological niche. Areas with the most varied and abundant food, cover, and water usually support the most varied and abundant wildlife. Conversely, areas with pure stands of only one species support the fewest birds. Pure stands of even-aged pines are among the state's poorest habitats for nearly all non-game birds except the red-cockaded woodpecker, the brown-headed nuthatch, and the pine warbler.

Food. Some non-game birds eat insects and other small animals, some eat seeds, and others eat berries and fruits. Most birds eat a variety of these and other foods. Insects are fed to the nestlings of most species. Hummingbirds are fond of nectar from flowers, especially red and orange flowers. Often, winter and early spring are times of food shortage.

Cover. All birds require cover for protection from natural enemies and weather. For most birds, vegetation of some kind is a cover requirement. In Alabama, cover is most important during nesting season and during short periods of unfavorable winter weather.

Water. For most species, water is a year-round requirement for either drinking or bathing, or both. Water should be well distributed.

Habitat Management

Habitat management consists mostly of retaining, creating, and maintaining suitable food, cover, and water.

Retaining Habitat

As a rule, it is much easier and less expensive to retain suitable habitat that is already present than to create new habitat. Retain a variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and other plants on one-eighth of an acre or more. Plants which provide food and trees which contain holes suitable for nests are recommended.

Creating Habitat

Cover. Vegetative cover and nest boxes are usually recommended. Vegetative cover is used the year round by most species. It is especially important during nesting season and during short periods of cold, windy weather. Vegetative cover may be planted, or it may result from natural plant succession. Nest boxes are of most value during nesting season, of course.

On open land, either plant a variety of adapted trees, shrubs, vines, and other plants on one-eighth of an acre or more, or allow the area to become vegetated by natural plant succession.

On forest land either open the tree canopy or create openings. Opening the tree canopy on one-fourth of an acre or more creates underbrush and makes forest land attractive to a wider variety of birds. Openings in forest land should be one acre or more in size and at least 100 feet wide. A few food-producing trees, shrubs, and vines may be left within the openings. Brush should be piled in small, well-distributed piles. One opening (one acre or more) for every ten acres of forest land supports a variety of birds.

Nest boxes are especially recommended around homes. Nest box requirements for birds that commonly nest around homes are indicated on the next page.

Food can be created as part of the landscape pattern, or it can be grown in food plots. In either case, select plants which ripen their fruits or seeds at different times. That prolongs the food supply for birds. Food can be provided in feeders, also, but feeders are usually recommended for attracting birds to relatively small, local areas.

Part of the landscape pattern. Establish a variety of food-producing trees, shrubs, vines, and other plants on one-eighth of an acre or more. Recommended plants include, but are not limited to, American beautyberry, huckleberries, privet, pyracantha, sumac, and viburnums. For more information, see Invite Birds to Your Home, a publication of the Soil Conservation Service. Blackberry, grapes, Japanese honeysuckle, raspberry, and Virginia creeper are some of the vines recommended. Cannas, cardinal flower, day lilies, gladiolus, hibiscus, jewelweed, mimosa, morning glories, petunia, salvia, and red buckeye are usually recommended for hummingbirds.

Food plots. Plant one-eighth of an acre or more in corn, browntop millet, dove proso, grain sorghum, or sunflower. Plots should be well distributed and located near suitable cover. One plot (one-eighth of an acre or more) for every five acres usually supports a variety of birds.

Feeders. Bird feeders are recommended around homes, especially during winter. Feeders bring birds in close where they can be easily seen and enjoyed. Several feeders are usually better than a single one because some birds tend to drive others away from a single source of food. To protect birds from northerly winter winds, place feeders on the southern or southeastern side of a house or evergreen thicket. Place feeders several feet from such shelter. Grains, nuts, fats, and fruits are the main foods that attract birds. Put food into feeders at regular intervals and discard spoiled food.

Water. Provide water if this essential is scarce or absent. Ponds, wildlife watering facilities, and streams are excellent sources, especially if portions of their banks are 7 shallow and free of vegetation in which enemies can hide. Worn tractor and automobile tires may be used if the water is kept clean and fresh.

Birdbaths with maximum depths of two to three inches are recommended for bringing birds in close, especially around homes. Place the birdbath in shade, preferably on a platform or stand, and reasonably close to a shrub or tree. Keep the water clean and fresh.

Maintaining Habitat

Protect from wildfire and heavy grazing. Restrict free-ranging cats and dogs. If possible, avoid the use of chemical pesticides. Replant food plots as needed, and apply lime and fertilizer according to soil test recommendations.

Maintain openings in forest land by disking, mowing, prescribed burning, or by other means. Maintain in early stages of succession. Manage forest land in such a way that an uneven-aged stand of many species of trees, shrubs, vines, and other plants is maintained. An open canopy should be maintained over parts of the forest land.

More Information

More information on non-game birds is available from the Alabama Game and Fish Division, 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130.