Dendrocygna Research Articles

Epidemiology of avian influenza in wild aquatic birds in a biosecurity hotspot, North Queensland, Australia

Migratory birds may introduce highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza from Southeast Asia into Australia via North Queensland, a key stopover along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, with severe consequences for trade and human health. A 3-year repeated cross sectional study on the epidemiology of avian influenza in Australian nomadic wild aquatic birds was conducted in this potential biosecurity hotspot using molecular and serological techniques. Avian influenza virus subtypes H6 and H9 were commonly present in the studied population. It is likely that one of the H6 viruses was newly introduced through migratory birds confirming the perceived biosecurity risk. The matrix gene of another H6 virus was similar to the Australian H7 subtypes, which suggests the reassortment of a previously introduced H6 and local viruses. Similarly, a H9 subtype had a matrix gene similar to that found in Asian H9 viruses suggesting reassortment of viruses originated from Australia and Asia. Whilst H5N1 was not found, the serological study demonstrated a constant circulation of the H5 subtype in the sampled birds. The odds of being reactive for avian influenza viral antibodies were 13.1(95% CI: 5.9–28.9) for Pacific Black Ducks over Plumed Whistling Ducks, highlighting that some species of waterfowl pose a greater biosecurity risk. Antibody titres were slightly higher during warm wet compared with warm dry weather. Routine surveillance programmes should be established to monitor the introduction of avian influenza viruses from Asia and the interactions of the introduced viruses with resident viruses in order to better detect emerging pathogens in aquatic birds of North Queensland. Surveillance should be targeted towards highly susceptible species such as the Pacific Black Duck and carried out during favourable environmental conditions for viral transmission such as the wet season in northern Australia.

STATUS OF AVIFAUNA IN CURZON HALL PREMISES UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA, BANGLADESH

In order to estimate the diversity and status of avian species of Curzon Hall premises, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, a study was conducted from January 2012 to January 2014. A total of 50 species of birds belonging to 30 families under 12 orders were recorded of which, regarding the relative abundance, 29 were common and 21 were uncommon. Twenty five species, in total, were identified as breeding residents, 13 as non-breeding residents and 12 as migrants. Of all the species identified from the study site, one was Critically Endangered (Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria) and six were new for the campus (Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla, Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica, Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus, Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus, Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica). Passerines were the dominating group as represented by 27 species from 16 different families. Species richness was in the highest peak in the late winter and early spring and comparatively less in other seasons.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11324Ecoprint: An International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013Page : 1-8

Diurnal avifaunal diversity, species richness and density along the Bolgoda canal in the Bellanwila- Attidiya sanctuary, western Sri Lanka

Diurnal Avifaunal diversity, density and species richness were studied along the Bolgoda Canal inBellanwi la- Attidiya Sanctuary (70 42/ N, 79° 49!E) of Western Sri Lanka from June 2005 to February2006. Six lines transect (length 500m) totaling 3.00 km and positioned along the Bolgoda canal weretravelled slowly on foot three times per month. The day was divided into three time periods as 0700-1000 (morning), 1200 - 1500 (noon) and 1500 - 1800 (evening). Data were collected three times permonth for each time period. All birds seen within one hundred meters on either side of each transectwere recorded. Fifty-two bird species were recorded including globally endangered spotted billedpelican (Pelecanus philippensisi and four migratory species (Actitis hypoleucos,Burhinusodicnemus, Gelochelidon nilotica, Terpsiphone paradisi). Species diversity was significantly highin December 2005 and low in August 2005. (ANaYA, F= 17.00, p<0.05) Species density wassignificantly high in September 2005 and low in June (ANaYA, F =15.00, p>0.05) Highest speciesrichness was recorded in the morning session (Species richness 26.32 ± 0.021) and the lowest speciesrichness was recorded in the noon session (Species richness 18.82 ± 0.031). Species richness variedfrom33.12 ± 0.023 in August47.54 ± 0.31 in December 2005. Relative abundant indicated that HouseCrow (Corvus splendenss was the most abundant species while Lesser Wh istling Duck (Dendrocyonajavanica) was the least abundance species. Present study revealed that although the study site is inclose proximity to densely populated residential area; it still provides a vital habitat to large number ofbird species and therefore warrants protection.

First record of spotted whistling duck 'Dendrocygna guttata' for the Northern Territory

The Spotted Whistling Duck 'Dendrocygna guttata' occurs in the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and was first recorded in Australia in 1995; it is now seen regularly in northern Queensland. The first record of the species in the Northern Territory, which is also the first Australian record outside Queensland, is presented here. A single bird was observed on six occasions from 27 December 2011 to 12 February 2012 at the Leanyer Sewage Ponds, Darwin. The initial observation was made immediately following a tropical cyclone, which formed in the Arafura Sea and tracked south to make landfall east of Darwin, suggesting that the bird may have originated from eastern Indonesia rather than Queensland.

Abundance and Distribution of Waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela

The Llanos is a significant waterbird site in the Western Hemisphere, but abundance and distribution of waterbirds across this vast region are poorly known, which hampers conservation initiatives. We used point counts along road routes in the Llanos region of Venezuela to examine abundance and distribution of waterbirds during 2000–2002 within five ecoregions across the Llanos. We detected 69 species of waterbirds and recorded 283,566 individuals, of which 10 species accounted for 80% of our observations. Wading birds (Ciconiiformes) represented the largest guild both in numbers of species (26) and individuals (55%), followed by waterfowl (26%), and shorebirds (11%). Five species comprised 62% of all individuals: Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), Black-bellied Whistling Duck (D. autumnalis), Great Egret (Ardea alba), and Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana). Wading birds were particularly ubiquitous with at least 21 of 26 species recorded in each of the ecoregions. Species richness (66), proportion of waterbirds detected (54%), and mean number of birds per route (1,459) were highest in the Banco-Bajio-Estero savanna ecoregion. Our study provides the most comprehensive data set available on waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela and highlights regions of special conservation concern.

Host-Feeding Habits of <I>Culex pipiens</I> and <I>Aedes albopictus</I> (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected at the Urban and Suburban Residential Areas of Japan

To evaluate the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes for viruses in Japan, the host-feeding habits of the mosquitoes were analyzed by sequencing polymerase chain reaction-amplified fragments of the cytochrome b and 16S ribosomal RNA regions of the mitochondrial DNA of 516 mosquitoes of 15 species from seven genera that were collected from residential areas during 2003-2006. Culex pipiens L. and Aedes albopictus Skuse were the most commonly collected species in urban and suburban residential areas. Anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens Coquillett was distinguished from the autogenous Cx. pipiens form molestus Forskal using a polymerase chain reaction-based identification method. Both Cx. p. pallens and Cx. p. form molestus exhibited similar host-feeding habits, broadly preferring avian (50.0 and 42.5% of avian, respectively) and mammalian (38.6 and 45.0% of avian, respectively) hosts, such as tree sparrows, ducks, and humans. Conversely, Ae. albopictus exhibited a highly mammalophilic and anthropophilic feeding pattern, with 84.2% feeding on mammalian hosts and 68.5% of these on humans. We concluded that in Japan, Cx. pipiens might play a significant role in the avian-to-mammal transmission of viruses, such as West Nile virus, whereas Ae. albopictus might play a role in the human-human transmission of dengue and Chikungunya viruses.

Abundance and Distribution of Waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela

The Llanos is a significant waterbird site in the Western Hemisphere, but abundance and distribution of waterbirds across this vast region are poorly known, which hampers conservation initiatives. We used point counts along road routes in the Llanos region of Venezuela to examine abundance and distribution of waterbirds during 2000–2002 within five ecoregions across the Llanos. We detected 69 species of waterbirds and recorded 283,566 individuals, of which 10 species accounted for 80% of our observations. Wading birds (Ciconiiformes) represented the largest guild both in numbers of species (26) and individuals (55%), followed by waterfowl (26%), and shorebirds (11%). Five species comprised 62% of all individuals: Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata), Black-bellied Whistling Duck (D. autumnalis), Great Egret (Ardea alba), and Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana). Wading birds were particularly ubiquitous with at least 21 of 26 species recorded in each of the ecoregions. Species richness (66), proportion of waterbirds detected (54%), and mean number of birds per route (1,459) were highest in the Banco-Bajio-Estero savanna ecoregion. Our study provides the most comprehensive data set available on waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela and highlights regions of special conservation concern.

Waterbird Nest Density and Nest Survival in Rice Fields of Southwestern Louisiana

Rice fields in southwestern Louisiana provide breeding habitat for several waterbird species; however, little is known about nest density, nest survival and the importance of landscape context of rice fields in determining breeding activity. In 2004, 42 rice fields were searched for nests, and 40 were searched in 2005. Land uses surrounding rice fields, including irrigation canals, trees, crawfish ponds, rice, fallow and soybean fields, were examined to determine influence on nest density and survival. Nest densities were 13.5–16.0 nests/km2 for Purple Gallinules (Porphyrio maitinica), 3.0–13.7 nests/km2 for Fulvous Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna bicoloi), 2.6–2.8 nests/km2 for Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus), 0.3–0.92 nests/km2 for Least Bitterns (Ixobiychus exilisi) and 0–0.6 nests/km2 for Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula). Nest survival was 52–79% for Purple Gallinules and 39–43% for Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Apparent nest success of Common Moorhens was 73–75%, 83% for Least Bitterns and 33% for Mottled Ducks. Purple Gallinule and Common Moorhen nest densities were highest in fields with a larger proportion of irrigation canals surrounding rice fields. Purple Gallinule nest densities were greater in fields devoid of trees and landscapes dominated by rice fields and pasture, rather than landscapes containing soybean fields and residential areas. Fulvous Whistling Duck nest densities were higher in agriculturally-dominated landscapes with few trees.

Effect of steamed sago and golden snail flour as substitution of yellow corn on performance of male duck of Alabio, Mojosari and MA

This study was aimed at finding out the effects of combining steaming sago ( Metroxylon Spp) and golden snail flour ( Pomacea Spp) as the source of energy in duck ration, substituting yellow corn, on the performance of male Alabio, Mojosari, and their cross (MA). One hundred and ninety two young male ducks from the three breeds of 7 days old were assigned in 48 units of cage (4 ducks/cage). Research method applied was Completely Randomized Design with factorial pattern (3x4). The first factor was duck breeds (a) consisted of tree duck breeds: Alabio duck, Mojosari duck and Raja duck and the second factor was types of ration: R0 (control/100% basal ration), R1 (basal ration + 13% steaming sago and 2% golden snail flour), R2 (basal ration + 26% steaming sago and 4% golden snail flour) and R3 (basal ration + 39% steaming sago and 6% golden snail flour). All treatments were repeated four times. The observed variables were performance of ducks: body weight, body weight gain, ration consumption and ration conversion. Results indicated that breed had significant effect (P < 0.05) on body weight, body weight gain and ration conversion. Meanwhile, ration had significant effect (P < 0.05) on ration consumption, body weight gain, and final body weight. It is concluded that the combination of steaming sago and golden snail flour up to 45% of the ration could replace the need for yellow corn as the source of energy in the ration without affecting the performance of male ducks of 1 – 8 weeks old. Cross male ducks were better than that male Alabio ducks and Mojosari because they were more efficient in converting ration into meat which resulted in higher body weight gain. Key words : Steaming Sago, Golden Snail Flour, Male Ducks, Performance

THE TECHNIQUE OF NONINVASIVE DISTANT SEXING FOR FOUR MONOMORPHIC DENDROCYGNA WHISTLING DUCK SPECIES BY THEIR LOUD WHISTLES

ABSTRACT Here we present an acoustic approach for reliable sexing in four whistling duck species from the genus Dendrocygna and compare it with molecular and cloacal inspection techniques. In the four examined species, the White-faced Whistling Duck D. viduata, Fulvous Whistling Duck D. bicolor, Cuban Whistling Duck D. arborea and Red-billed Whistling Duck D. autumnalis, sexes are indistinguishable by appearance. However all the four species show strong sexual differences in the structure of their species-specific loud whistles. For 59 examined birds, an acoustic-based sexing showed 100% accordance to the DNA PCR analysis, while the cloacal inspection showed only 89.8% accuracy. The results demonstrate that acoustic sexing represents a feasible alternative to the two traditional methods as a noninvasive tool for the distant sexing of the four whistling duck species both in captivity and in the wild.

Mortality of Ducklings of the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) During Their Premier Swim in a Hypersaline Lake in South Texas

Adult black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) were observed leaving islands with recently hatched young in a South Texas hypersaline lake during summer 2003. We counted 216 ducklings from 20 broods attempting to make their first swim to the mainland, presumably heading for suitable rearing habitat. Of these, 144 (67%) either died in the water or on the salt-encrusted shoreline within minutes to a few hours of first entering the water. An additional 35 carcasses from unobserved broods were found. Nine carcasses of ducklings were necropsied and they had levels of sodium in the brain above the lethal threshold concentration for sodium poisoning. From our surveillance efforts, we documented a decrease in maximum number of adult black-bellied whistling ducks observed on the islands from 489 in 2002 to 138 in 2003.

Birds of Gundlupet, Karnataka

A survey of the bird fauna of Gundlupet taluk in Karnataka was carried out overa period of about 7 seven years since 1985.Most of the observations were carried out in the Madahalli village,though observations were also carried out in the Gundlupet town; on the sides of the Ootty road,Mysore Road,and Calicut road,Maddur,Hangla tank and Gopalaswami Betta.Altogether 148 birds were recorded from the area which included migrants and nomigrants.Species diversity is very low when compared to the wet zone areas.Many of the species encountered were observed in fewer numbers.Two interesting species,the Fulvous Whistling Duck and Black Ibis were recorded. Both these species were also observed nesting in the area,which are new records.

Prosthogonimus ovatus (Rudolphi) (Digenea, Prosthogonimidae) em três espécies de aves aquáticas da Região Sul do Brasil

Three species of birds, two anatids, Dendrocygna bicolor (Vieillot, 1816) (Fulvous Whistling Duck) and Netta peposaca (Vieillot, 1816) (Rosy-billed Pochard), and one phalacrocoracid, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (Gmelin, 1789) (Neotropical Cormorant) were collected from several localities in the Coastal Plain Province and in Lago Guaiba, State of Rio Grande do Sul. The number of birds examined of each host species with the respective values of prevalence and mean intensity of infection of P. ovatus were: 33 D. bicolor , 3%, 1 helminth/host; 20 N. peposaca 15%, 4.3 helminths/host, and 47 P. brasilianus 2.1%, 1 helminth/host. The single specimen collected from the Neotropical cormorants and one of the specimens collected from the rosy-billed pochards, were in the cloaca. The remaining specimens from the rosy-billed pochards and the single specimen from the fulvous whistling ducks were in the bursa of Fabricius. This is the first record of P. ovatus in Neotropical cormorants and rosy-billed pochards. The known geographical distribution of P. ovatus is extended to the southernmost State of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul.

Identification of a novel bile acid in swans, tree ducks, and geese: 3α,7α,15α-trihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid

By HPLC, a taurine-conjugated bile acid with a retention time different from that of taurocholate was found to be present in the bile of the black-necked swan, Cygnus melanocoryphus. The bile acid was isolated and its structure, established by (1)H and (13)C NMR and mass spectrometry, was that of the taurine N-acyl amidate of 3alpha,7alpha,15alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid. The compound was shown to have chromatographic and spectroscopic properties that were identical to those of the taurine conjugate of authentic 3alpha,7alpha,15alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid, previously synthesized by us from ursodeoxycholic acid. By HPLC, the taurine conjugate of 3alpha,7alpha,15alpha-trihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid was found to be present in 6 of 6 species in the subfamily Dendrocygninae (tree ducks) and in 10 of 13 species in the subfamily Anserinae (swans and geese) but not in other subfamilies in the Anatidae family. It was also not present in species from the other two families of the order Anseriformes. 3alpha,7alpha,15alpha-Trihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid is a new primary bile acid that is present in the biliary bile acids of swans, tree ducks, and geese and may be termed 15alpha-hydroxy-chenodeoxycholic acid.

Individual and Sexual Differences in the Calls of the Monomorphic White-Faced Whistling DuckDendrocygna viduata

The White-faced Whistling Duck is a waterfowl species lacking any differences in ornamentation, coloration, size or behavior between the sexes. For distant communication, this species uses loud whistles. We analyzed 12 spec- tral parameters of 344 whistles from 23 captive adult ducks (14 males and 9 females). Discriminant analysis showed 94% correct assignment to an individual (N = 279 calls from 14 birds; 15-22 calls per bird). Separately for 8 males (162 calls) and for 6 females (117 calls), discriminant analysis showed 99% and 93% correct assignment to individuals respectively. Discriminant analysis for sex (N = 86; 3 calls from each of 14 males and 5 calls from each of 9 females) showed 100% correct assignment. Intersexual differences were governed by frequency parameters, the values of which were significantly higher in females than in males. Cluster analysis showed that differences between sexes were expressed significantly more strongly than the individual differences. The fact that the keys differed as regards the identification of individual birds or their sex may significantly enhance the reliability of acoustical recog- nition systems in the White-faced Whistling Duck. The data are discussed in the context of the biology of the White- faced Whistling Duck and significant intersexual differences in syringial and tracheal anatomy, which may be respon- sible for the sharp distinctions between the sexes in the calls of this species.

Peracute sodium toxicity in free-ranging black-bellied whistling duck ducklings.

From 23 to 25 July 2002, 98-103 newly hatched black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) were observed alive at an inland saline lake (La Sal Vieja) in Willacy County, Texas (USA). Seventy-one (71%) died after showing signs indicative of sodium toxicity within 5 hr of entering the water; some died within minutes. Six carcasses were sent to the United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center (Madison, Wisconsin, USA) for analysis, and brain sodium levels of all ducklings were above 2,000 parts per million wet weight. More black-bellied whistling duck ducklings are likely to have been affected, but they were not observed after hatching.

Waterfowl and flood extent in the Hadejia-Nguru wetlands of north-east Nigeria

The Hadejia-Nguru wetlands in north-east Nigeria are of international importance for resident and migratory Anatidae but the construction of large dams upstream seriously threatens their continued existence. An analysis of waterfowl census data collected over the period 1988 to 1998 inclusive demonstrated that the extent of flooding had no effect on the species richness of waterfowl but had a significant impact on total numbers. White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata and Garganey Anas querquedula in particular respond to changes in flood extent. The present practice of releasing water from upstream reservoirs should therefore be continued.

Great Texas birds

Preface by Suzanne Winckler Acknowledgments Introduction by John P. O'Neill Brown Pelican by Bill Graber Green Heron by Jim Peterson Reddish Egret by Rose Ann Rowlett Roseate Spoonbill by Stephen Harrigan Black-bellied Whistling Duck by Stephen E. Chip Labuda Jr. Wood Duck by Roy Bedicheck Swallow-tailed Kite by David Braun Harris's Hawk by Greg Lasley Crested Caracara by Father Tom Pincelli Plain Chachalaca by John Rowlett Greater Prairie-Chicken by Edgar B. Kincaid Jr. Northern Bobwhite by Rochelle Plasse Montezuma Quail by Frederick R. Gehlbach Wild Turkey by Edward A. Kutac Sandhill Crane by John Graves Purple Gallinule by Robert Behrstock Ruddy Turnstone by Robin Doughty Long-billed Curlew by Fred Collins Black-necked Stilt by Ted Lee Eubanks Least Tern by Douglas Slack White-winged Dove by Sally Graves Jackson Greater Roadrunner by Jim Bones Elf Owl by Pauline James as told to Leticia A. Alamia Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Ernest Franzgrote Black-chinned Hummingbird by Peter Scott Blue-throated Hummingbird by Roland Ro Wauer Green Kingfisher by Keith Arnold Golden-fronted Woodpecker by June Osborne Scissor-tailed Flycatcher by Lawrence Wright Vermilion Flycatcher by John and Gloria Tveten Cave Swallow by Kenn Kaufman Blue Jay by Ben Feltner Green Jay by John Arvin Northern Mockingbird by Michael Braun Curve-billed Thrasher by John P. O'Neill wood thrush by James A. Tucker eastern bluebird by David E. Wolf Black-capped Vireo by Terry C. Maxwell Golden-cheeked Warbler by Charles Sexton Yellow-breasted Chat by Suzanne Winckler Hooded Warbler by Victor Emanuel Painted Redstart by Kelly B. Bryan Altamira Oriole by F. P. TonyBennett Summer Tanager by Robert and Karen Benson Northern Cardinal by Fred Webster Pyrrhuloxia by Holly Carver Painted Bunting by Marie Webster Black-throated Sparrow by Randell Beavers About the Artist and the Contributors A Poem: The Law of Transmigration by Paul Turner

Controlling the flood in the Senegal Delta: do waterfowl populations adapt to their new environment?

Triplet, P. & Yésou, P. 2000. Controlling the flood in the Senegal Delta: do waterfowl populations adapt to their new environment? Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 106–111. The delta of the Senegal river (320 000 ha) has been gradually dammed, mostly during the 1970–80s. From 1986, the Diama dam has stopped any backflow of salt water from the sea into most of the delta, and retains a large volume of fresh water which can be released into initially naturally flooded, but now embanked, areas, including the National Parks of Djoudj (Senegal) and Diawling (Mauritania) and other lowlands often used for agriculture, mainly rice-fields. Landscapes have been deeply modified (vegetation overgrowing in wetlands, desertification process around), sometimes in a provisionally positive way (creation or development of flooded areas through irrigation or hunting management). The Anatidae overwintering in the delta have been censused since 1972: we analyse these census data, with emphasis on the periods 1972–1976 and 1989–1996 (when census methodology and coverage were similar), in order to define how Anatidae have adapted to the new environmental conditions. Three Afrotropical and two Palearctic species are holding on, in spite of marked yearly variations and sometimes a loss of habitat quality (Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor. White-faced Whistling Duck D. viduata, Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus. Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Garganey A. querquedula), two Palearctic species showed significant but not fully explained changes in numbers (Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata increasing, Common Teal A. crecca almost disappearing), and numbers of two Afrotropical species decreased following the environmental modifications (Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis, and Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos even more markedly). In order to maintain or develop conditions favourable to these bird populations, it is necessary to supply the managers of protected areas with the resources needed to implement this aim. Also, the whole lower valley of the Senegal River (including the Lake of Aleg in Mauritania) must be taken into account in conservation measures, including non-protected areas potentially favourable to waterfowl. Such a conservation programme implies the co-operation of national and international bodies related to both nature conservation and wetland development.

Distribution of waterfowl in the wetland of Northern Nigeria

Agbelusi, E.A. & Afolayan, T.A. 2000. Distribution of waterfowl in the wetland of Northern Nigeria. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 73. Nigeria with a land area of 923 850 km2 has approximately 24 000 km2 of wetland. These wetlands are scattered all over the country and include the man-made lakes. The wetlands of northern Nigeria are important breeding sites for Afrotropical duck and also serve as the winter refuge for Palearctic birds from Europe. About 13 sites have been identified as the actual habitat and concentration points for waterfowl in the wetlands of northern Nigeria. Among these areas, the Hadeija-Nguru wetland represents one of the most productive and ecologically significant wetlands in Nigeria. This area supports about 58 000 waterbirds, belonging to about 376 species, which consist mostly of Palearctic and Afrotropical migratory birds. Some of the important bird species that are associated with the wetland of northern Nigeria are Black Crowned Crane, Pintail, White Pelican, White-faced Tree Duck, Knob-billed Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Gull-billed Tern and Saddle-billed Stork. The paper also discusses the management implications for waterfowl conservation and tourism in Nigeria.