Distribution, abundance and reproduction of aquatic birds from the Meta and Casanare (Colombia) flooded savannahs and priority sites for conservation

Abstract

We identified 83 species of birds in the flooded savannas of Meta and Casanare (Colombia) states during July and November 2012 and March and April 2013. We added four species to the checklist of birds of the Colombian Orinoco Basin. In both the rainy and dry seasons, wading birds had the largest number of species and individuals. Most species congregated and bred during the rainy season and abundance of aquatic birds varied according to the season. We also identified six sites that harbored the largest concentration of Neochen jubata (Orinoco Goose), Mycteria americana (Wood Stork), Phimosus infuscatus (Bare-Faced Ibis), Eudocimus ruber (Scarlet Ibis) and Phaetusa simplex (Large-billed Tern) in Colombia.

Keywords

• Llanos colombianos
• Avifauna acuática
• Poblaciones
• Reproducción
• <em>Neochen jubata<em>