The Magdalenian Avifauna at Erralla Cave.

Abstract

In its situation at the head of the Gorge of the Alzolaras stream, the immediate environs of the Cave of Erralla (Cestona) command a varied habitat for bird life. In the Gorge itself vegetation is dense, mixed forest of deciduous species, presently dominated by hazel and with some evergreens. The stream bed is fast flowing and stony with little wed in the upper reachds near the cave. Above the valley the land rises sharply into steep pastures of lush grass, with a wide variety of limestone flora. Higher still, on the west bank to the immediate south of the cave is an area of forest plantation, mainly Dine with some beech and. an undergrowth of heathers, blackberry and bracken. The highest land lies to the south of the cave, where the Monte Gazume massif rises to 1000 metres, with a light afforestation, heathers and myrtle.