Mangrove and Salt Marsh Migratory and Resident Birds

Mangroves and salt marshes are important habitats for resident and migratory birds. Nevertheless, information on avian species richness and composition in Brazilian mangroves and salt marshes is scattered and has never been comprehensively investigated. This chapter aims to identify the diversity of birds inhabiting Brazilian mangroves and salt marshes, their adaptations, threats, conservation challenges, and knowledge gaps. A compilation of 81 published studies on mangrove and salt marsh birds was reviewed and personal observations of the authors were included. In Brazilian mangroves, 368 bird species can be encountered, or 19% of the country’s avifauna. Five species are exclusive, 87 regular, and 275 occasional, with 40 migrants. Fifteen species are of conservation concern. In salt marshes, there are 163 species, representing 8% of the Brazilian avifauna. Nearly 72% of these species also occur in mangroves and only one is exclusive. A total of 123 species are regular and 39 occasional, with 34 migrants. Thirteen species are of conservation concern. Habitat loss and modification are the main threats to birds, but the harvesting of aquatic resources, pollution, invasive alien species, and climate change are also important. Additionally, 15 knowledge gaps related to ecological and anthropogenic impacts on mangrove and salt marsh birds are summarized.