Waterfowl and Wetland Birds

Abstract

The future of wetland bird habitat and populations is intrinsically connected with the conservation of rangelands in North America. Many rangeland watersheds are source drainage for some of the highest functioning extant wetlands. The Central and Pacific Flyways have significant overlap with available rangelands in western North America. Within these flyways, the importance of rangeland management has become increasingly recognized by those involved in wetland bird conservation. Within the array of wetland bird species, seasonal habitat needs are highly variable. During the breeding period, nest survival is one of the most important drivers of population growth for many wetland bird species and rangelands often provide quality nesting cover. Throughout spring and fall, rangeland wetlands provide key forage resources that support energetic demands needed for migration. In some areas, stock ponds developed for livestock water provide migration stopover and wintering habitat, especially in times of water scarcity. In the Intermountain West, drought combined with water demands from agriculture and human population growth are likely headed to an ecological tipping point for wetland birds and their habitat in the region. In the Prairie Pothole Region, conversion of rangeland and draining of wetlands for increased crop production remains a significant conservation issue for wetland birds and other wildlife. In landscapes dominated by agricultural production, rangelands provide some of the highest value ecosystem services, including water quality and wetland function. Recent research has shown livestock grazing, if managed properly, is compatible and at times beneficial to wetland bird habitat needs. Either directly, or indirectly, wetland bird populations and their habitat needs are supported by healthy rangelands. In the future, rangeland and wetland bird managers will benefit from increased collaboration to aid in meeting ultimate conservation objectives.

Riding the wetland wave: Can ducks locate macroinvertebrate resources across the breeding season?

“…Semi‐permanent basin wetlands and reservoirs, on the other hand, have hydrologies that encourage the growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), which provide growth and reproduction substrates for macroinvertebrates (Batzer, 2013; Bauer et al., 2020; Fredrickson & Reed, 1988; Hagy et al., 2011; Schad et al., 2020). Further research on both the physical and chemical properties of working wetlands and how they might further impact patterns of invertebrate distribution are warranted (Arzel et al., 2020; Kantrud, 1986; Longcore et al., 2006; Swanson et al., 1988; Vargas et al., 2022; Vest et al., 2023).…”

Evaluation of Importance of Birds from Non-Tidal Wetlands: A Review

“…"Waterbirds use many kinds of wetlands, including swamps, lagoons, mudflats, estuaries, bays and open beaches, freshwater and saltwater lakes, rivers, floodplain wetlands and dams" [16]. "Birds prefer the wetlands mainly for feeding, breeding and as a place to refuel and rest during migrations" [17].…”