Abstract: Urbanization across the world has results in many ecological problems, among which is the rapid loss of species diversity. Birds are one of the taxa most affected by urbanization. For instance, urbanization significantly reduces bird diversity and changes species composition of bird communities. Human-dominated urban ecosystems have replaced native habitats. Urban infrastructure, vegetation, and human activities have greatly changed the urban environment. Here, we summarize research progress on urban avian diversity from three perspectives: urban landscape, urban greenspace habitat heterogeneity, and human disturbance. In addition, we introduce several novel diversity indices and three different dimensions to explore avian diversity in urban ecosystems. We propose specific measures to protect avian diversity during urbanization, such as enhancing patch connectivity, increasing green spaceheterogeneity, and increasing buffer zones. We put forward five suggestions for in-depth research on urban avian diversity in China.

Key words: landscape pattern, landscape heterogeneity, greenspace heterogeneity, human disturbance, diversity protection.