Bird use of an East Texas shrub wetland

Abstract

Bird species composition and habitat use were examined over a 15-month period in a buttonbush-waterelm shrub swamp. Over 50 bird species used the area over the year but only about 12 nested there. Plant succession resulting from hydrologic changes in the wetland influenced bird species composition, and seasonal water dynamics influenced how and when birds used the area. Common wildlife management strategies are evaluated in light of the need to maintain bird diversity and minimize plant community change.