engleski

The avifauna of an agricultural wetland complex in the western Gulf Coastal Plain of Louisiana, USA

The avifauna of a 255 ha rural agricultural wetland complex in the western Gulf Coastal Plain of Louisiana was studied from 1997-2001. The area was 70% agricultural - crafish, rice, soybeand, and sorghum, 20% grassland - brushy, 5% wooded, and 5% drainage canals and one small permanent pond. An avifauna of 187 species was recorded during the study period - accounting for 40% of the species recorded for the State of Louisiana and 65% of the immediate region's species. The area was heavily used by 80 species of waterbirds including waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and coots. Drought conditions during 1999 and 2000 emphasized the value of the artificial, shallow water habitat provided by the complex's land managers. The densities of crawfish predators and competitors were such that producers expressed concern about the impact of the birds on their crops. Passerine diversity was influenced by the absence of forested areas ; however, there was a conspicuous presence of passerine species, especially those associated with grassland habitats.

birds; crawfish; rice; wetland habitat; management

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