We compared number of avian species and individuals in morning and evening
point counts during the breeding season and during winter in a bottomland h
ardwood forest in west-central Mississippi. USA. In both seasons, more spec
ies and individuals were recorded during morning counts than during evening
counts. We also compared morning and evening detections for 18 species dur
ing the breeding season and 9 species during winter. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta c
ristata), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), and Red-bellied Woodpecker (Mel
anerpes carolinus) were detected significantly more often in morning counts
than in evening counts during the breeding season. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolo
phus bicolor) was recorded more often in morning counts than evening counts
during the breeding season and during winter. No species was detected more
often in evening counts. Thus, evening point counts of birds during either
the breeding season or winter will likely underestimate species richness,
overall avian abundance, and the abundance of some individual species in bo
ttomland hardwood forests.