Biodiversity and habitat use of wintering and breeding waterbirds in Burullus Lake (Ramsar site), Egypt.

The present study seeks to assess the bird biodiversity at the IBA and Ramsar site, Lake Burullus, northern Egypt. Waterbirds biodiversity was assessed at 14 selected sites around the lake during winter and spring seasons. The assessment included richness, composition, evenness, abundance, and Simpson and Shannon-Wiener diversity indices. Bird species diversity varied spatially and temporally among different sites during the study period. Estimated species richness was 49 species. Winter birds were mainly migratory waterbirds like waterfowl, distributed in the islets for foraging, which was the main activity of 51% of total birds, followed by 36% roosting and 13% breeding at the lake. Evidence of breeding was recorded, such as collecting nest material, courtship behavior and food collecting for juveniles. The hierarchical cluster analysis separated the lake sites into four distinctive habitats: lake shores, open water, islets and reed beds. Seven bird species showed significant affinities with different habitat types. Streptopelia senegalensis (P< 0.04) favored the lake shores habitat. Little bittern (Ixobrychus minutus ) (P< 0.04), pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) (P< 0.04), Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) (P< 0.02), Pied wagtail (Motacilla alba) (P< 0.04),Gracefulprinina (Prinia gracilis) (P< 0.01) were found in islets habitat. Little egret (Egretta garzetta) (P< 0.03) dominated to the reed beds habitat group. The results reflect the importance of Burullus Lake as a wintering and breeding habitat for birds and suggest that more implemented conservation and management strategies should be adopted.