Tringa Glareola Research Articles

Comparison of waterbird communities in a Mediterranean salina – saltmarsh complex

Coastal wetlands provide habitat for large numbers and many species of waterbirds. Man-made salinas are a particu-lar habitat type often found in such wetlands. This study is an initiative to understand the differences in bird communities between a salina (including evaporation ponds and prebasin) and a saltmarsh. Bird counts and nest surveys took place in the wetlands of Angelochori, Thessaloniki, Greece, in 1991, when the salina was inactive, and in 1997, 2000-01 when it was active. Counts in evaporation ponds were richer in species, abundance and nests compared to the prebasin and the saltmarsh. These three wetland types supported different bird communities. Similarities among bird communities depended on the inundation of the salina with seawater. Evaporation ponds in their inactive period presented low similarity with the communities of the prebasin and the saltmarsh ; in the active period this was observed only for the saltmarsh. Species showing clear selection for the evaporation ponds were Charadrius alexandrinus, Calidris alpina, Calidris minuta, Recurvirostra avosetta, Sterna hirundo, Sternula albifrons, Sterna sandvicensis and Haematopus ostralegus; the prebasin was preferred by Phoenicopterus roseus and Anas platyrhynchos, and the saltmarsh by Anas querquedula, Anas clypeata, Plegadis falcinellus, Tringa totanus, Tringa glareola, Tringa stagnatilis and Himantopus himantopus.

Shorebird Records from Pangpang Bay, East Java, Indonesia

Pangpang Bay is one of the essential ecosystem areas located in East Java and also it is part of the East Asia Australia Flyway (EAAF). This area is an important habitat as a stopover site for migratory shorebirds. However, heretofore scientific reports are still limited. Therefore, we conducted a shorebird survey in this area on October 1-2, 2022 using concentration count methods at three potential areas. A total of 610 individuals of shorebirds belong to 13 species from two families (Scolopacidae and Charadriidae). Among the observed shorebirds, Whimbrel had the highest number of individuals (n=426), followed by Eurasian Curlew (n=45), Common Sandpiper (n=43), Pacific Golden Plover (n=43), Bar-tailed Godwit (n=14), Common Redshank (n=9), Wood Sandpiper (n=7), Terek Sandpiper (n=5), Ruddy Turnstone (5), Grey Plover (n=3), Common Greenshank (n=3), Javan Plover (n=2), and Greater Sandplover (n=1), respectively. Twelve species are wintering migratory shorebirds and one species (Javan Plover) is a resident species (mostly in Java). Furthermore, shorebirds in Pangpang Bay occupied three habitat types, i.e. mudflat, mangrove forest, and fishpond bordering the mangrove forest. Based on these results, Pangpang Bay is an important habitat for several shorebirds indeed, especially migratory wintering as a stopover site during their migration.

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Ischnocera) from shorebirds (Aves, Charadriiformes) in the Kızılırmak Delta, Turkey

This study was carried out in the Kızılırmak Delta Cernek Bird Ringing Station, Central Black Sea Region, during August and September 2020, to survey the louse species found on shorebirds (Aves: Charadriiformes). A total of 241 birds belonging to 13 species were searched for chewing lice. Eleven species in six genera of the family Scolopacidae (Actitis hypoleucos, Arenaria interpres, Calidris alba, Calidris alpina, Calidris falcinellus, Calidris ferruginea, Calidris minuta, Gallinago gallinago, Tringa glareola, Tringa totanus, Xenus cinereus) and two species in one genus of the family Charadriidae (Charadrius dubius, Charadrius hiaticula) were examined. Birds were caught alive with mist-nets, ringed, searched for lice, and released. A total of 153 birds (63.49%) were infested with lice belonging to 16 species, five amblycerans: Actornithophilus bicolor, Actornithophilus ochraceus, Actornithophilus totani, Actornithophilus umbrinus, Austromenopon lutescens, and eleven ischnocerans: Carduiceps fulvofasciatus, Carduiceps meinertzhageni, Carduiceps zonarius, Lunaceps actophilus, Lunaceps falcinellus, Lunaceps schismatus, Quadraceps hiaticulae, Quadraceps obscurus, Quadraceps ravus, Quadraceps strepsilaris and Saemundssonia platygaster frater. These eight species are new records for Turkey: Ac. bicolor, Ac. ochraceus, Ca. fulvofasciatus, Lu. falcinellus, Lu. schismatus, Qu. ravus, Qu. strepsilaris and Sa. platygaster frater. In addition, Qudraceps hiaticulae was recorded from Little ringed plovers (Charadrius dubius)  for the first time in the world in this study. According the lice checklist of wild birds in Turkey, a total of 188 bird species examined and 122 of them were infested, and a total of 217 chewing lice species has been recorded.

Waterbird community changes in the Wilderness Lakes, South Africa (Part 2 of 3): Shorebirds

Globally, many shorebirds, particularly the smaller migratory waders are declining, which can be attributed to multiple factors throughout their ranges. The Wilderness Lakes Complex in South Africa comprises two estuarine systems, that support diverse waterbird communities, including 17 abundant shorebirds. The study aimed to document long-term spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of shorebirds in the Wilderness Lakes Complex, and where possible identify potential causes for observed trends. The abundance of waterbirds on these wetlands was determined biannually from 1992 to 2019, with counts conducted from a boat following a standardised route. Historical abundance data from the 1980s were also used to describe long-term abundance changes. Ten shorebirds showed seasonal differences in abundances. Significant long-term decreases in abundance have occurred in seven shorebirds (Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Ruff Philomachus pugnax, Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus) and increases in three species (African Spoonbill Platalea alba, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus). Similar types of population changes occurred across multiple waterbodies and in different seasons. The similarity of shorebird abundance trends in spatially separated wetlands suggests either high interconnectivity of populations between wetlands systems and/or prominent drivers of change being broad scaled rather than system specific. Local reasons for changes potentially include the increasing spread of emergent macrophytes and resultant loss of open sandbanks, changing hydrodynamics, and alien fish proliferation, all likely changing food accessibility, as well as periodic high disturbance by waterbody users.Conservation implications: Changes in the abundances of several shorebirds, particularly small migratory waders, are substantial, with multiple likely local, regional and international drivers acting accumulatively. Recommended corrective actions include continuing involvement in the development and implementation of policies for waterbird conservation, and local management of emergent macrophytes, disturbance, and water level variability.

Habitat selection of breeding Wood Sandpipers Tringa glareola in Scotland

ABSTRACT Capsule The European breeding population of the Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola is estimated to be stable, but the species has declined in several countries. Describing breeding habitat requirements is important for the conservation and management of the breeding sites. Aims To determine the habitats used by breeding Wood Sandpipers. Methods Two breeding sites of Wood Sandpipers in Highland Scotland were visited regularly during spring and summer in 2006 and 2007; habitat variables were measured at points where birds were detected and compared with random points. Results The birds selected sites with a greater percentage of water cover, bare ground and Carex spp., but with a low index of total obscurity of vegetation. Conclusion By selecting habitat with bare ground, low obscurity of vegetation and shallow water, birds may have sufficient concealment from predators, but also maintain vigilance and obtain good feeding opportunities for themselves and their chicks.

BIRD COMPOSITION IN FOREST AND COASTAL ZONE OF PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Documentation of bird composition on the islands around Peninsular Malaysia is scarce and the attention is mainly focused on Malaysia’s Borneo Islands. Therefore, this study aims to fulfil this knowledge gap by documenting the bird composition in Pulau Tinggi. The study was conducted from March to August 2019 using mist-netting and direct observation methods. A total of 39 bird species belonging to 24 families were recorded. Among these, 28 species were residents, four species were residents migrants and seven were migrants. Migrant species include Wood sandpipers (Tringa glareola), Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos), Malay Hawk-cuckoo (Hierococcyx fugax), Arctic- Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis), Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus), Siberian Blue Robin (Luscinia cyane) and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Regarding conservation status, only one species was listed as Near Threatened: The White-chested Babbler (Trichastoma rostratum). Our result shows that the coastal area is more diverse (H=2.252) than the forest area (H=1.933). However, birds in the forest area were more evenly distributed with an evenness index score (forest = 0.5759) over (coastal=0.3806). Thus, we conclude that despite its small size, Pulau Tinggi accommodates a variety of bird species, where the conservation action plan for the continued survival of birds on this island needs to be implemented.

Impact of rice paddy agriculture on habitat usage of migratory shorebirds at the rice paddy scale in Korea

Approximately 58 shorebird species, including endangered and threatened species, use various habitats while traveling on their long-distance migratory routes in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). Coastal rice paddies in midwestern Korea, which are located in the EAAF, serve as inland wetlands and provide important stopover sites for long-distance migratory shorebirds. We studied how shorebird population density is affected across periods, time since habitat formation, and field type, at the rice field scale. The shorebirds most frequently observed in rice paddies were, in order, black-tailed godwits (Limosa limosa), common greenshanks (Tringa nebularia), and wood sandpipers (T. glareola). Black-tailed godwits and wood sandpipers were affected by time since formation, field type, and water level, whereas field type affected common greenshanks. We propose that (1) flooding time, (2) shallow water level, (3) harrowed field type, and (4) 5–7 days of management intervals at paddy fields are important factors influencing shorebird species density, although all the factors did not influence common greenshank density. We propose that environmental characteristics derived from field management in rice paddies influence habitat use by migratory shorebirds. These factors need to be considered to systematically protect and manage shorebirds that use rice paddies as stopovers during their migration events.

Зміни видового складу куликів заходу України протягом історичного періоду зоологічних досліджень

Introduction. Information on historical changes in the fauna of geographical regions and biota habitats is important for understanding the processes that take place in ecosystems. The results of such an analysis in combination with modern research can indicate not only the global trends in changes of animal associations and the status of particular populations of species, but also reveal the reasons that caused the situation. Materials and discussion. The first lists of bird species in the 18th – early 19th centuries showed the nesting of 12 species of waders. However, during the 19th century 37 species of waders were found, 12 of which were nesting. 13 wader species were permanent migratory and 8 – rare migratory species. In the first half of the 20th century, there were 27 species of waders on the territory of Prykarpattia, and 25 in Volyn, among which there is a larger list of migratory and vagrant species in the foothills of the Carpathians. In the second half of the 20th century, 39 species of waders were described within the western regions of Ukraine, of which 17 were nesting, and four of them were recorded during the last decade. Conclusions. There are 42 species of waders (39 of them are recent) registered in the western part of Ukraine. Among them 17 species are nesting, 15 – migratory and seven – vagrant species. During the 20th–21st centuries, 23 species of waders, including only 7 nesting species, have not changed their status of stay. However, it has changed for 17 species: two species have disappeared; four – have become vagrant; the Ruff Calidris pugnax and the Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis have changed their status from nesting to migratory. The Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus, the Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus and the Wood Sandpiper T. glareola that were common, somewhere numerous bird, – have become few in numbers; and the Great Snipe Gallinago media and the Black-tailed Gotwit Limosa limosa – have become rare. The Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus has become migratory. The nesting of sandpipers, with a southern area of distribution, in the western regions of Ukraine proves the fact of the global warming. However, the drop of the water level, drying out of wet meadows and swamps and, as a consequence, plant succession, have terminated the nesting of such species as the Ruff and the Marsh Sandpiper; the Black-tailed, the Great Snipe and the Wood Sandpiper become rare; the Northern Lapwing and the Green Sandpiper have become much less numerous.

Timing, staging, speed and destination of migrant Wood Sandpipers Tringa glareola breeding in Scotland

Timing, staging, speed and destination of migrant Wood Sandpipers Tringa glareola breeding in Scotland

Samvariation mellan systematiska räkningar och spontan rapportering av rastande vadare i Getteröns naturreservat

This paper is an attempt to describe how strong the covariation is between systematic counts and spontaneous reporting of staging waders at the Getterön Nature Reserve in southwestern Sweden. The material is based on systematic and spontaneous observations of twelve species of waders, made on the same days during the autumn migration in July–October 2010–2019. There is a significant positive correlation between the two methods for nine of twelve species. However, there is a large variation in the strength of the correlations, with the strongest correlation seen for Dunlin Calidris alpina. The Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola, Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, and Little Stint Calidris minuta, on the other hand, show no significant correlations. This shows the difficulties in evaluating quantitative data of the wader occurrence at stopover areas such as Getterön. The variation in correlation between count methods between different species entails an uncertainty, which is probably due to low reliability in the spontaneous reporting. Thus, in the case of studies of staging waders based solely on spontaneous data, caution should be exercised.

Migratory restlessness and stopover duration in Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola

Factors affecting stopover duration in birds are still much discussed. Field studies report contradictory evidence regarding the effect of fuel reserves on bird decision to depart from a stopover site, while the majority of laboratory tests performed on passerines reported a positive relationship between body conditions and migratory restlessness. In recent years, a few studies integrating laboratory and field investigations suggested that the amount of migratory restlessness could be a proxy of the individual willingness to depart from a stopover site in night-migrating passerines, but similar studies are lacking for other groups of birds. In this paper the factors affecting stopover length in the Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola (Charadriiformes Scolopacidae) were studied by integrating field observations and laboratory tests during spring migration. Our aims were to investigate (1) the influence of body conditions on migratory restlessness and (2) the influence of body conditions and of the amount of migratory restlessness on stopover duration, after controlling for meteorological conditions. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find any relationship between body condition and migratory restlessness nor stopover duration, while for the 1st time in a non-passerine species, evidence was produced that the amount of migratory restlessness is significantly related to the likelihood of leaving the stopover area. Our results emphasize the relevance of the studies integrating field and laboratory tests to understand the physiological and ecological factors affecting migratory behaviour in different bird species. Highlights Body conditions seem to be unrelated both to migratory restlessness and stopover duration. Migratory restlessness predicts the likelihood of leaving the stopover site. The quantification of migratory restlessness seems to be a useful tool for studying the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on stopover behaviour in shorebirds.

The Impact of Agricultural Activities on Habitat Use by the Wood Sandpiper and Common Greenshank in Rice Fields

Rice fields provide important inland stopover sites for migratory shorebirds. However, stopover duration and habitat use depend on the environmental conditions in the rice fields, which constantly change due to agricultural activities. This study determined the characteristics of habitat use in two shorebird species, the Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola and Common Greenshank T. nebularia, in rice fields with different habitat conditions resulting from physical changes (field type: fields flooded after plowing, with high water levels after harrowing, or with low water levels after harrowing) and chemical changes (pesticide use: environmentally friendly or conventional farming) from agricultural activities around the time the migratory shorebirds arrive. The study was conducted during the spring stopover periods of these shorebird species in 2015 (May 2–20, 19 days) and 2016 (May 2–21, 20 days), during which we observed the characteristics of their habitat use and estimated the densities of potential prey. Both Wood Sandpiper and Common Greenshank were observed to use flooded fields with low water levels after harrowing. As for pesticide use, potential prey animals were most densely populated in environmentally friendly fields, for which only the large-bodied Common Greenshanks showed selection. This species-specific habitat use seems to be closely associated with body size-dependent prey availability and prey species selection. The small-bodied Wood Sandpiper was more affected by physical than chemical factors. These findings suggest that rice fields—major inland stopover sites for shorebirds—provide different habitats depending on agricultural activities. The study results also have practical implications for future improvement of inland shorebird habitat through efficient rice field management sensitive to the needs of migratory shorebirds.

Probing of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds of Central Asian Flyway wintering grounds

The study is intended to deliver the incidence of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds from two important Central Asian Flyway (CAF) migratory shorebirds wintering sites such as the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) and Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF), India. Feathers of fifteen species of shorebirds and seven different metals viz., Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn were analyzed. Zn was highest in Dunlin, Little-ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, and Common sandpiper, Ni showed highest in Little ringed plover, and Common sandpiper, Co, Cr, and Cu were maximum in Little stint, Marsh sandpiper, and Dunlin, respectively. The Hg was higher in Black-winged stilt, Common redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian curlew, Lesser Sand-plover, Temminck’s stint, Kentish plover, Spotted redshank, and Wood sandpiper, the Pb found highest in Kentish plover, Painted stork, Spotted redshank, Wood sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Lesser sand-plover. The concentration of metals showed significant variations among the species of shorebirds studied (P < 0.001). The mercury negatively correlated with the other metals than the other six metals studied in both the wetlands. The order of metal concentration in the feathers of shorebirds was Zn > Ni > Co > Cr > Cu > Pb > Hg. Nevertheless, the current study revealed that the level of metals in the shorebirds is alarming; since the PWLS and PMF are located along the CAF routes, it needs intensive studies on various pollutions to manage both the resident as well as migratory shorebirds.

Declining peatland bird numbers are not consistent with the increasing Common Crane population

The Common Crane (Grus grus) population has experienced an unprecedented increase across Europe during the last decades. Although cranes feed mostly on invertebrates, amphibians and berries during the breeding season, they can also eat eggs and young of other birds. Therefore, conservationists have raised concerns about the potential predatory effect of cranes on wetland avifauna, but the effects of crane predation on bird numbers have so far not been investigated. We here test the relationship between the crane and peatland bird population’ abundances in Finland for five common wader and passerine species, and a set of seven less common waders, using line-transect data spanning from 1987 to 2014. We found that the population densities of two small passerines (Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and Western Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava) and one wader species (Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola) were positively associated with crane numbers, probably related to a protective effect against nest predators. For the two other common species and the set of less common waders, we did not find any significant relationships with crane abundance. None of the species was influenced by the (lagged) effect of crane presence (i.e. years since crane was first observed). Peatland drainage was responsible for most species’ negative densities, indicating the need to protect and restore peatlands to mitigate the loss of peatland bird diversity in Finland. In addition, openness, wetness and area size were important peatland characteristics positively influencing most of the studied bird populations. The development in crane and other mire bird numbers in Europe should be monitored regularly to reveal any possible future predatory effects contributing to the shaping of the peatland bird community.

Louse Flies of Charadrii and Scolopaci Shorebirds Migrating through Central Europe

Louse flies are blood-sucking ectoparasites of birds and mammals of veterinary and medical importance. These flies damage host skin and serve as vectors for blood-associated pathogens. Little is known about their phenology, host selection, and prevalence in wild birds. Our study provided a broad-scale assessment of louse flies parasitizing Charadrii and Scolopaci shorebirds during their migration through Central Europe. We collected louse flies from 3,129 specimens in 22 species of shorebirds at a major migratory stopover site in central Poland in 2011-17. In total, 31 Ornithomya avicularia and 15 Ornithomya chloropus specimens occurred on five wader species: Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Ruff (Calidris pugnax), Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), and Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Prevalences ranged from 0.23% to 4.62%. No individual birds were infested by both species of fly, and no flies were found on an additional 17 wader species. The rarer of the two flies, O. chloropus, occurred on all infested bird species, whereas O. avicularia occurred only on Common Snipe and Curlew Sandpiper. In comparison with the other four infested wader species, Common Snipe (n=1,194) was more frequently infested with O. avicularia than with O. chloropus. Our study shows that the prevalence of louse flies on shorebirds is much lower than on other avian taxa. Ecologic and evolutionary mechanisms leading to the relative rarity of louse flies on shorebirds remain to be understood.

Safe places: Increasing Finnish waterfowl resilience through human-made wetlands

Loss of boreal wetlands in Finland has negative consequences for waders, ducks and local socio-ecological systems. These changes result from over 70-years of human-made alterations to land and waterscapes. Climate change and associated extreme events are expected to be further drivers of negative change. In order to build resilience and seek answers to these challenges, a five-year monitoring of Linnunsuo, a 120-ha human-made wetland was conducted. Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola) and Northern pintail (Anas acuta) were the indicator species. Analysis of co-management complemented the review. Results indicate that the creation of well-designed wetlands has the potential to increase resilience of these socio-ecological systems. They are cost-effective and can be replicated across the boreal region to address the need of habitat loss and climate impacts.

Strong decrease of waders Charadrii in central southern Sweden during the last 50 years

The number of territories of waders were counted in an area of 460 km2 around 56°37'N; 14°20'E. The most important breeding sites for waders were closely monitored in several years, 1969–1981 and again 2015–2018. Most species declined strongly, with the exception of Charadrius dubius which colonized exploited peat bogs without vegetation and open man-made gravel surfaces. Some mires were drained in the first study period, which can explain up to 20% of recorded population declines of some species (Pluvialis apricaria, Numenius arquata, Tringa glareola). Other likely causes are earlier hay harvest and with different methods. Abandonment of cattle grazing of pastures on many small farms also occurred between the study periods. Several wader species forage on wet pastures. Predation on small young of waders may have increased. The crane Grus grus has increased dramatically in the study area and small young of waders most likely is part of the food of cranes. Changes at foraging sites during migration and in winter may be contributing causes of wader declines as well as climate change.

Sewage sedimentation ponds – a lost bird paradise: a nostalgic return visit and case study

Sewage ponds with exposed sludge are known to be excellent feeding sites for waders during migration. They still exist in parts of the world but are disappearing in pace with introduction of modern methods which do not involve open exposure of the sludge. Here I report a five-year study from a Swedish plant with open sludge ponds in the 1950s when many similar ones were still active. I counted the waders with frequent visits from 18 April through 2 November, 1952–1956. Ninety-three percent of the dates had a visit in at least one of the years giving an almost complete combined coverage of migration. Nineteen species were recorded at least once. The total average annual number of bird-days was 2868 (5% in spring). Most abundant were the Ruff Calidris pugnax with 35% and Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola with 32% of all bird days. Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii showed the highest spring proportion of bird-days, 30%.

English

A study on the conservation status of bird fauna of South West of Omo National Park (SWONP), South Western Ethiopia was conducted for dry (January - March, 2012) and wet (April - June, 2012) seasons. The study area was stratified based on vegetation (Riverine Forest land (RFL), Grass land (GL), and Bush land (BL)). Using systematic sampling, data was collected on birds in the morning (6:30 - 10:00 am) and evening (4.00 - 6:00 pm) for five days per week. A total of 129 species belonging to 96.12% were resident species and 3.8% were migratory. Among resident species Psalidoprocne pristoptera, Cecropis abyssinica and Hirundo smithii were the most common species and among migratory Coracias abyssinicus, Merops supercilosus, Clamator levaillantii, Locustella naevia and Tringa glareola were fairly common species. According to IUCN category, 109 species (83%) were Least Concern, 17 species (13%) have not yet been assessed, 3 species (2%) were vulnerable, 2 species (1%) were endangered and 1 species (1%) was near threatened for their conservation status. Of all recorded avian species based on their feeding assemblage status, 59 species (45.7%) were recorded to be insectivores, 30 species (23.3%) were recorded to be frugivores, 23 species (17.8%) were recorded to be insectivores-frugvores and 17 species (13.2%) were recorded to be omnivores. Vegetation structure complexity and season played great role on the species status, abundance and feeding assemblage status. Key words: Species status, habitat, vegetation, season.

Il ruolo delle zone umide della Regione Lombardia durante la migrazione dei limicoli: un’analisi per il genere Tringa ricavata dal portale www.ornitho.it

In Italy, the launch of the online portal at www.ornitho.it in 2009 has played a key role in advancing our knowledge about the abundance, geographical distribution and phenology of birds, and has greatly improved everyday ornithological issues. Indeed, the extensive participation by many observers has provided an opportunity to obtain new insight into the phenology of many species of migratory birds, such as Tringa sp. In this paper, I have analysed the data gathered between 2010 and 2014 on the genus Tringa in Lombardy, amounting to a total of 5,590 validated records for spring and autumn migrations. The analysis revealed that the rice-farming area of S-W Lombardy – which covers more than 90,000 hectares located mainly in the province of Pavia – represents an invaluable habitat during the spring migration by supporting the bulk of migrating waders. Other man-made habitats, such as restored sand and gravel pits and water-collection tanks, are of similar importance for the diversity of the wader community, but, together with the few natural wetlands, support much lower numbers of individuals. The wood sandpiper is the most abundant species, with groups reaching 600 individuals, followed by the spotted redshank and the greenshank. The green sandpiper is the most common and widespread species, with a low number of individuals reaching the highest altitudes (above 2,600 m a.s.l. in the province of Sondrio) during the autumn migration. The common redshank is relatively rare, generally distributed around 200 m a.s.l. in the provinces of Pavia and Milan, while the marsh sandpiper is definitely rare, with only 68 records in the five-year period analysed.