Behavior and Habitat use by Shorebirds in an Urban Wetland Complex along the Central Gulf Coast of Texas

Abstract

Shorebirds (Charadrii) spend the majority (ca. 70%) of their lifecycle in wintering and migratory staging areas located on temperate and tropical coastlines; therefore, the implications of habitat loss and destruction require assessment of both marginal and prime habitats in coastal areas. In this study, behavior was used to determine use of habitat within an urban wetland complex located on the Texas coast. Instantaneous scans were used to determine behavior of shorebirds in five habitat types: bayshore, tidal and isolated ponds, estuarine lakeshore, and a salt marsh. Behavior of 22 species of shorebirds representing six guilds was documented. Of the shorebirds observed, 90% were foraging and significantly more were foraging than were engaged in other activities. Foraging occurred significantly more in tidal ponds than in the four other habitats and foraging was greatest in spring. Behavioral observations provided important insight into function of habitat, underscoring the need to incorporate behavioral studies into strategies to monitor shorebirds.