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 Important Bird Area (IBA) and Ramsar site,
Lake Burullus, northern Egypt. Waterbirds biodiversity was assessed at 14 selected sites in 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: Laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) favored the lake shores habitat (P< 0.04); 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), and Graceful prinina (Prinia gracilis)
(P< 0.01) were found in islands habitat. Little egret (Egretta garzetta) dominated the reed beds habitat
group (P< 0.03). The results reflected the importance of Burullus Lake as a wintering and breeding habitat
for birds and suggested that more implemented conservation and management strategies should be
adopted.