Avian communities’ preferences in recently created agricultural wetlands in irrigated landscapes of semi-arid areas

摘要: Numerous wetlands have been created spontaneously in the Ebro river basin as a consequence of new irrigation developments over last 50 years. Water used for irrigating farmland drains into lower parts small valleys to form that are mostly dominated by common reed (Phragmites australis). Bird communities established these still simple, partly due lack management enable their ecological functions improve. A knowledge which environmental features favor bird is essential order improve design newly or restored associated future developments. For this purpose, habitat and vegetation 15 sampled. The structure (richness, abundance diversity) was monitored 3 years during breeding season winter at foraging nocturnal roosting. presence bushes, height stems distance from large (>1 ha) proved be most influential variables on community abundant species season. Wetland area compactness influenced richness There maximum stem only reed-dwelling birds remained. Uncontrolled burning had severe negative effect upon recently populations. wetlands, including those run-off treatment agricultural catchments, could substantially improved taking account simple guidelines results relate characteristics wetland features.