Correlation between the avian community and habitat at different water levels during spring migration in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, China

Zhalong National Nature Reserve (Zhalong) is an important stopover for migratory birds. In recent decades, Zhalong has become the focus of researchers and public discussion in relation to irrigation. We studied relationships between birds and habitats at different water levels to guide development of more effective habitat management measures. We used line transects to survey bird numbers and distribution during April-May from 2005–2009 at Zhalong, and used cluster analysis and Chi-Square tests to analyze data. We recorded 139 bird species of 39 families and 13 orders during spring migration, including Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, Coraciiformes, Cuculiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Piciformes, Podicipediformes, Strigiformes. Dominant vegetation and geographic region were the main influence factors of avian distribution. Different ecological groups preferred different water levels (p<0.01) and different habitat types (p<0.01). Grallatores, Natatores and Passeres were the main ecological groups in different wetland habitats, and reed marsh and lake are the main habitats for management. Grallatores preferred reed marsh and lake with water levels >30 cm and 5–15 cm. Natatores preferred lakes with deep water (>30 cm). Passeres preferred open forest and reed marsh with no surface water. Different avian ecological groups occupied specific habitats depending on water level and we recorded some overlaps in bird distribution.