Distributión de avifauna en los distintos ‘Habitats’ del Estuario Andalién,Bahia de Conceptión,Conception, Chile

In a first survey a total of 70 species of birds was found in the area of the Andalien river estuary in Chile during the years 1979 to 1981. There are four major types of habitat: the marine coastal zone, the vegetation covered coastal plain, the brackish coastal lagoons, and the mud flats aiong the river. The distribution of adaptive types of birds across these different kinds of habitat is shown qualitatively in the figs. 2 to 5. Twelve of the 70 species are migrants from North America and distant regions of South America, the remaining 58 are residents of Central Chile.     

Combining archive territory mapping data and aerial photography to investigate bird–habitat relationships: a case study from the Lincolnshire coast

Capsule Habitat associations of breeding birds in a complex coastal environment are clear, interpretable and mostly consistent between years.

Aims To match archive territory mapping data with historical aerial photographs and develop data handling and analytical techniques for the study of bird–habitat relationships.

Methods Bird registrations were digitized from archive British Trust for Ornithology Common Birds Census maps and habitat characteristics from contemporaneous aerial photographs. The resulting maps were overlaid and ranks of habitat preference for 15 species calculated using compositional analysis. Similarity analysis identified species with consistent habitat profiles across years. Cluster analysis identified groups of species with similar patterns of habitat use.

Results A total of 5400 registrations of 15 species in 14 habitats were analysed. Of these, 13 species showed stable patterns of habitat association across survey years. Clear differences and similarities in habitat preferences among the species were identified. The results may be used to inform conservation and management programmes in this and similar environments.

Conclusions Extensive archives of bird survey data can be used to study bird–habitat relationships and to measure the effects of natural and anthropogenic environmental change if contemporaneous aerial photographs can be sourced.     

If you build it,will they come? Use of restored dunes by beach mice

Restoration of coastal habitat fragmented, degraded, or destroyed by development and climate‐related processes such as sea level rise and storm surge usually involves planting native plants to restore habitat structure, but whether and how restored areas benefit taxa other than plants is rarely reported. Installing restoration plantings is one method used to build habitat such as beach dunes where dunes have been lost, potentially creating habitat for dune‐dependent species. We compared use of natural vegetated dunes, open sand gaps, and restoration plantings (habitat treatment) by Perdido Key beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) over 3 years using tracking tubes to assess the value of restoration plantings for beach mice. Tubes were monitored in two seasons (early and mid‐summer), and under new and full moon conditions. Mice used restoration plantings less than natural vegetated dunes but more than open sand gaps, which suggests restoration plantings may facilitate movement of mice across fragmented areas. Both season and moon phase influenced the effect of habitat treatment, interactions which may be attributable to perceived risk associated with movement under a combination of different conditions of ambient light, vegetation cover, and habitat novelty. Our results show restoration plantings provide habitat for movement and foraging, and may ameliorate some consequences of sea level rise and storms for beach mice and potentially other dune‐dependent species into the future.     

NOTES ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE MOCKING CHAT THAMNOLAEA CINNAMOMEIVENTRIS (LAFR.) IN WESTERN TRANSVAAL

Martin, A. P. &; Baird, D. 1987. Seasonal abundance and distribution of birds on the Swartkops estuary, Port Elizabeth. Ostrich 58:122-134. Counts of estuarine birds were made on the Swartkops estuary, Port Elizabeth, between September 1983 and August 1985. Seasonal variations in the numbers of both migrant and resident species were investigated; in the austral summer, over 4000 birds were recorded, whereas in winter, fewer than 1200 birds were counted. Five species made up 74% of the total number of birds: Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus (21%), Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola (21%), Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus (12%), Common Terns Sterna hirundo (10%) and Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea (10%). The majority of birds (92%) were recorded on the intertidal mud and sand, and a positive correlation was found between bird density and the biomass of a major prey species, Upogebia africana. The avifauna of the estuary has changed considerably since the beginning or this century, probably reflecting long-term trends in the bird populations.     

Green beach vegetation dynamics explained by embryo dune development

Sandy coastlines are dynamic environments with potential for biodiverse habitats, such as green beaches. Green beach vegetation can develop on nutrient-poor beaches landward from embryo dunes. It is characterised by low-dynamic coastal wetland habitat such as salt marshes and dune slacks. It has been hypothesised that the establishment of green beach vegetation is facilitated by the shelter provided by embryo dunes, however evidence is lacking.We explored the importance of geomorphology and soil conditions on the species richness and turnover of green beach vegetation over a time period of 10 years. We recorded 107 plots along 11 transects over a gradient from beach to dune on the island of Schiermonnikoog, the Netherlands. We characterised transect geomorphology at transect level and soil conditions and vegetation at plot level in 2006 and 2016.We found that the green beach vegetation was highly dynamic, total plant cover increased by 62% within 10 years. In 2006 beach width was an important factor in explaining species richness, with the highest number of species occurring on narrow beaches with a large volume of embryo dunes. In 2016, species richness was positively associated with the build-up of organic matter. Overall species richness declined relative to 2006 and was accompanied by an increase in elevation due to sand burial and the expansion of embryo dune volume.Our data suggests that geomorphology influenced the vegetation indirectly by affecting sand burial rate. Plant species richness declined less at sheltered conditions where sand burial was limited, allowing the build-up of organic matter. This indicates a time-dependent relationship between the development of embryo dunes and plant species richness: embryo dunes can be a source of shelter, thus increasing species richness, but can compete for space over time, lowering species richness again. Our results are relevant for engineering and management of biodiverse sandy shores.     

Spatial and Temporal Habitat Use Patterns by Water Birds in an Urban Estuarine Ecosystem: Implications for Ecosystem Management and Restoration

A quintessential urban estuary is the lower Passaic River in northeastern New Jersey, USA. This system is environmentally degraded and its ecosystem is functionally limited. Birds in this river are of particular interest for ecological assessment and environmental management because they are conspicuous, ecologically important, and their habitat requirements encompass the full range of ecosystems associated with the estuary. In this article, we present the results of a 1-year seasonal bird survey of the lower 6 miles of the Passaic River. We contrast our survey results with those from other waterways in the region that have stressor issues similar to the Passaic (i.e., contaminants, pathogens, physical disturbance, etc.), but which have substantially more wetlands habitat available for birds (i.e., fewer habitat constraints). Our objective was to evaluate the influence of habitat availability or constraints on bird use in such systems. The results of our survey and comparison to conditions of other regional waterways demonstrate that the lack of wetland and associated shoreline habitat in the lower Passaic River is likely the primary constraint on bird use of the system. Future investigations of individual stressors in this region should identify the habitat constraints in the decision matrix for judging management options.     

内蒙古桦木沟自然保护区夏季鸟类物种多样性调查

为了解鸟类多样性现状,制定科学有效的栖息地保护管理对策,于2006年5～7月利用样线法对内蒙古桦木沟自然保护区鸟类物种多样性进行了调查,并分析了群落结构。结果显示,保护区内有17目44科127种鸟类,其中有国家Ⅰ级重点保护鸟类1种,国家Ⅱ级重点保护鸟类14种。居留型组成为90种夏候鸟、27种留鸟、10种旅鸟。不同生境类型中的鸟类群落多样性指数以草原湿地最高,均匀性指数以林地和疏林较高。提出保护区在制定鸟类多样性保护对策时应全面考虑各类栖息地的生态作用。     

四川白坡山自然保护区冬季鸟类群落调查

2003年12月对四川白坡山自然保护区的鸟类群落的种类和数量进行了调查,实际发现鸟类151种,结合历史文献23种,保护区鸟类共有174种,隶属于12目41科。保护区有国家级重点保护鸟类14种,四川省保护鸟类2种,我国特有鸟类5种。保护区鸟类区系以东洋界成分为主。利用多样性指数分析了不同群落的鸟类多样性,结果表明:地处1300~2600 m的中山云南松及其混交林群落鸟类多样性最高,原因是该群落中生境类型丰富多样。     

四川嘛咪泽自然保护区不同生境类型鸟类多样性调查

2006年4~5月采用样点法对四川嘛咪泽自然保护区的鸟类组成和种群数量进行了调查,共记录到鸟类7目23科105种,数量1948只,其中国家重点保护鸟类6种,我国特有鸟类7种。鸟类区系以东洋界成分为主。对不同生境鸟类多样性的分析结果表明:1)人工林和灌丛草地生境间的鸟类群落相似性指数最高,灌丛草地和原始林之间鸟类群落相似性最低;2)次生林鸟类多样性指数最高,灌丛草地最低;3)原始林内国家级保护鸟类最多,特有种仅次于次生林;4)林中鸟类垂直分布中间层密度最大。     

样线法和网捕法在机场鸟情调查中的应用比较

鸟击事件主要发生在机场范围内,对机场周边生境的鸟类组成进行调查,是制定鸟击防范对策的重要前提。国内多数机场已经开展了相关的鸟类组成调查,但是选用的调查方法却存在较大差异。以样线法和网捕法两种常用的调查方法对沈阳桃仙国际机场周边的迁徙期鸟类进行了研究,旨在比较两种调查方法在机场鸟类群落组成调查中的效果及调查的鸟类群落组成差异。结果表明：两种方法均适合机场鸟类调研,共记录到鸟类97种,网捕法记录的鸟类种数(83种vs. 57种)高于样线法,网捕法单独记录的鸟类种数(40种vs. 14种)也高于样线法。尽管两种方法每期(半个月)调查的物种数和目的数量无明显差别,但随调查强度(如调查次数)增加,网捕法累计记录到的鸟类种类明显高于样线法,且较晚达到渐近线。另外,两种方法调查记录的鸟类群落组成也具有显著的差别,如网捕法记录到较多鹌鹑和鸮形目等夜间迁徙或活动鸟类,而样线法可记录到鹭科和雁鸭类水鸟等。这说明两种调研方法在鸟类调查中有较好的互补性。因此,本研究认为机场鸟情调研时应该根据鸟情特点,选择合适的鸟类调研方法,综合采用多种调研方法可更有利于获得科学的鸟情信息。     

钦州湾越冬鸻鹬类对不同生境的选择分析

2008年12月至2009年1月及2011年12月至2012年1月对钦州湾的越冬鸻鹬类进行了调查,对越冬鸻鹬类退潮后在各类型生境的分布情况和原因进行了分析,以期为制定有效保护越冬鸟类及其生境的措施提供科学依据。冬季在钦州湾记录到鹬鸻类27种,结果表明,在不同的天气情况下退潮后各生境内记录到的鹬鸻类种数和数量均不同,钦州湾不同生境鹬鸻类结构特征随天气变化改变。相似性比较显示,晴天生境相似性指数最高的是盐田-养殖塘生境和农田生境,相似性指数为0.96;相似性指数最低的是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.49。阴冷天生境相似性指数最高的是光滩生境和盐田-养殖塘生境,相似性指数为0.79;最低是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.52。分析表明人类活动的干扰对越冬鹬鸻类栖息地选择的影响是巨大的。     

Humans alter habitat selection of birds on ocean‐exposed sandy beaches

Aim Resource‐selection functions (RSFs) can quantify and predict the density of animal populations across heterogeneous landscapes and are important conservation tools in areas subject to human disturbance. Sandy beach ecosystems have comparatively low habitat heterogeneity and structural relief in the intertidal zone, but intense human use. We aimed to develop predictive RSFs for birds on ocean‐exposed sandy beaches at two spatial scales, 25 ha (local scale) and 250 ha (landscape scale), and to test whether habitat selection of birds that commonly use the surf–beach–dune interface is influenced by the rates of human activities. Location Moreton and North Stradbroke Island, eastern Australia. Methods Avifauna and human activities were mapped on three sandy beaches covering 79 km of coastline for 15 months. Habitat characteristics of the surf–beach–dune interface were derived from remote sensing and ground surveys. RSFs were developed for 12 species of birds at two spatial scales: 25 ha (local scale) and 250 ha (landscape scale). Results  At local (25 ha) and landscape scales (250 ha), dune dimensions and the extent and type of vegetation structure were important predictors of bird density. Adding the frequency of human activities improved the predictive power of RSFs, suggesting that habitat selection of birds on beaches is modified by human use of these environments. Human activities occurred mostly in the mid‐ to lower intertidal zone of the beach, overlapping closely with the preferred habitats of Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae), Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris), Red‐capped Plovers (Charadrius ruficapillus) and endangered Little Terns (Sternula albifrons). Main conclusions In addition to demonstrating the appropriateness of RSFs to the surf–beach–dune interface, our results stress the need for systematic conservation planning for these ecosystems, where ecological values have traditionally been subsidiary to the maintenance of sand budgets and erosion control.     

On the use by birds of intertidal areas of the Tagus estuary: implications for management

The use of intertidal areas of the Tagus estuary by birds was re-analysed, based on data from 1990 to 1993, to describe (i) the temporal and spatial patterns of use of intertidal areas, (ii) the diet of birds during winter and (iii) the habitat selection patterns of feeding birds, during winter. The most common birds in the estuary were gulls, waders and ducks. Highest densities were recorded for most species in autumn and winter. The spatial distribution of birds in the intertidal areas of the estuary did not vary significantly across seasons, although broader distributions occurred when bird populations were present in high numbers. In autumn, use of intertidal areas was highly variable. Specific areas in the estuary were identified as holding important densities of birds, or having a high species richness. The most abundant species selected feeding areas according to sediment type, although the presence of channels, saltmarsh or humans also influenced the distribution of birds. The invertebrates Carcinus maenas, Hediste diversicolor and Scrobicularia plana were identified as key prey species. Plant material was important as food for ducks. Implications of these findings for the management of the estuary are discussed.     

Wintering bird communities in newly-formed wetland in the Yangtze River estuary

We compared wintering bird communities and their habitats among three shoals at Jiuduansha, a newly-formed wetland in the Yangtze River estuary. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded in Shangsha, which is the highest shoal, and the highest abundance and lowest species diversity were recorded in Xiasha, which is the lowest shoal. Shangsha had the largest abundance of perching birds whereas Xiasha was the most abundant in waterbirds. Bird assemblages showed different associations with the different habitat types—perching birds were favored by reed (Phragmites australis) communities, shallow water foragers and dabbling ducks preferred sea-bulrush (Scirpus mariqueter) communities, and moist-soil foragers and gulls showed a preference for bare intertidal zones. All bird assemblages, however, avoided the smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) communities, which are dominated by an alien invasive plant. The composition of avian communities was related to habitat types at the three shoals. Our results suggest that the newly-formed tidelands can provide suitable habitats for waterbirds and that the lower tidelands can attract more waterfowl than the higher tidelands. Because the shoal with low species diversity could have exclusive bird species, conservation efforts should not concentrate only on the area with high species diversity. The estuarine wetlands should be considered as a whole when conservation strategies are designed. The alien invasive plant should, moreover, be effectively controlled, to provide suitable habitats for birds.     

浙江古田山自然保护区鸟类群落生态研究

对古田山地区鸟类进行的调查表明:该地区鸟类群落的主要鸟类共计48种,其中优势种有14种,占29.17％。根据鸟类生境的分布系数分析。中性分布型有(25—100％)28种,占58.33％。不同生境内鸟类群落的种类数目和群体密度存在差异,结构复杂的生境,其鸟类群落由三个分布群组成,如农田村落、农田河滩、混交林和阔叶林;结构简单的生境,如竹林、针叶林和迹地灌丛,其鸟类群落由二个分布群所组成。各种鸟类分布群在鸟类群落内的比例随栖息地结构的变化而改变。由于栖息地结构的变化同样也导致鸟类群落其他参数的变化,如Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Simpson优势度、种间相遇机率PIE等。     

钦州湾越冬鸻鹬类对不同生境利用分析

2008年12月至2009年1月及2011年12月至2012年1月先后两次对钦州湾的越冬鸻鹬类进行了调查,对越冬鸻鹬类退潮后在各类型生境的分布情况和原因进行了分析,以期为制定有效保护越冬鸟类及其生境的措施提供科学依据。结果表明,在不同的天气情况下退潮后各生境内记录到的鸻鹬类物种数和种群数量均不同,钦州湾不同生境鸻鹬类结构特征随天气变化改变。相似性比较显示,晴天各生境中鸻鹬类相似性指数最高的是盐田-养殖塘生境和农田生境,相似性指数为0.96;鸻鹬类相似性指数最低的是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.49。阴冷天气各生境中鸻鹬类相似性指数最高的是光滩生境和盐田-养殖塘生境,相似性指数为0.79;最低是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.52。分析表明人类活动的干扰对越冬鸻鹬类生境选择的影响较大。     

湖北五峰后河国家级自然保护区鸟类多样性

为了解湖北五峰后河国家级自然保护区(以下简称后河保护区)鸟类物种多样性及其区系组成的变化, 我们通过样线、红外相机调查和检索文献资料相结合的方法获得了后河保护区鸟类名录, 并将其与后河保护区1999年科学考察结果进行对比分析。本研究于2017-2019年共在后河保护区内设置了82 km的鸟类调查样线, 共在309个位点上放置了红外相机, 累计99,586个相机日。我们用“后河” “鸟类” “湖北省”等关键词搜索相关出版物, 并查阅中国观鸟记录中心经审核后发布的鸟类信息, 结合样线和红外相机调查结果形成后河保护区鸟类名录。共整理得到后河保护区鸟类255种, 隶属于16目55科。其中, 国家I级重点保护野生鸟类2种, 包括中华秋沙鸭(Mergus squamatus)和金雕(Aquila chrysaetos); 国家II级重点保护野生鸟类46种, 包括红腹角雉(Tragopan temminckii)、棉凫(Nettapus coromandelianus)、松雀鹰(Accipiter virgatus)、灰林鸮(Strix aluco)、蓝鹀(Emberiza siemsseni)等。此外, 后河保护区有11种中国特有鸟类, 占我国特有鸟类种数(n = 93)的11.83%。在区系成分上, 后河保护区鸟类以东洋种为主(151种, 占59.22%), 其次为广布种(55种, 占21.57%)。与1999年科学考察结果相比, 鸟类增加了116种, 其中有15种国家重点保护野生鸟类。在区系组成上, 后河保护区内东洋种占比增加, 包括分布区向北扩散的物种成分。此外, 本次调查未记录到20世纪在保护区内有分布的白冠长尾雉(Syrmaticus reevesii)和海南鳽(Gorsachius magnificus)。本研究表明, 后河保护区鸟类物种多样性高、特有种及珍稀濒危物种丰富, 具有极高的保护价值和意义。通过对比分析后河保护区内野生鸟类动态变化, 可为保护区生物多样性监测方案设计和保护对策的制定提供科学依据。     

滹沱河湿地石家庄段水鸟群落结构及多样性

2003年3月～2006年4月,对滹沱河湿地石家庄段水鸟进行了调查。共记录水鸟80种,隶属于7目16科。其中候鸟73种(夏候鸟、冬候鸟和旅鸟),留鸟7种;古北种62种,东洋种11种,广布种7种;国家Ⅰ、Ⅱ级重点保护鸟类11种。鸻形目和雁形目鸟类占优势,各占水鸟种数的35.00%和30.00%。水鸟种类和数量高峰出现在4月和11月,低谷在1月和2月。多样性分析表明,冶河-黄壁庄水库和滹沱河-岗南水库Shannon-Weiner指数和G-F指数均高于石板水库,这与湿地面积和生境的多样性有关。滹沱河湿地石家庄段作为许多水鸟,尤其是黑鹳的重要栖息地,需进一步加强监测和保护。     

Intertidal habitat utilization patterns of birds in a Northeast Pacific estuary

A habitat-based framework is a practical method for developing models (or, ecological production functions, EPFs) to describe the spatial distribution of ecosystem services. To generate EPFs for Yaquina estuary, Oregon, USA, we compared bird use patterns among intertidal habitats. Visual censuses were used to quantify abundance of bird groups and general species richness in: Zostera marina (eelgrass), Upogebia (mud shrimp)/mudflat, Neotrypaea (ghost shrimp)/sandflat, Zostera japonica (Japanese eelgrass), and low marsh estuarine habitats. Also assessed were (1) spatial variation within a habitat along the estuary gradient and, (2) temporal variation based on bi-monthly samples over a year at five tidal ranges. Z. marina was an important estuarine habitat based on nearly all metrics of bird use, except for shorebird densities. This suggests that reductions in native eelgrass habitat may reduce the abundance and diversity of birds in Yaquina estuary. Our results suggest that a habitat based assessment approach is generally feasible for developing relative EPFs related to the presence of birds within estuarine systems.     

Determinants of preferred intertidal feeding habitat for Eastern Curlew: A study at two spatial scales

Abstract Broadscale habitat use by Eastern Curlews (Numenius madagascariensis) in their non‐breeding range in eastern Australia was assessed using low tide surveys on feeding grounds, where 60 skilled volunteers made repeated counts of the birds on intertidal flats, across 41% (9500 ha) of the intertidal habitat within Moreton Bay, Australia. We analysed 32 defined sections of intertidal flat, of roughly equal area (mostly 200–400 ha), which varied greatly in their curlew density (2–47 birds per 100 ha) and also in substrate and other environmental features. Sites with the least resistant substrates had densities three times those with the most resistant substrates. Of 10 environmental characteristics measured for each site, substrate resistance was the best predictor of curlew density (r² = 0.45). Characteristics that were poor predictors included distance to the nearest roost, level of human disturbance and distance to urban settlement. For a finer‐scale assessment, microhabitat use and feeding behaviour were recorded during low tide within 12 intertidal flats, which varied in size (23–97 ha), substrate, topography and other features. Across all flats, curlews strongly preferred to feed relatively close (0–50 m) to the low‐water line. They fed on a variety of substrates (including sand, sandy‐mud, mud and seagrass) in broadly similar proportions to their occurrence in the habitat. There was a statistically significant preference for sand, although its magnitude was not strong. These results indicate that curlews select habitat most strongly at a between‐flat rather than within‐flat scale.