Abstract: Riverbanks are important components of riverine ecosystems and provide important habitats for wildlife. Birds are common animals on riverbanks, the community composition of which is influenced by local habitat factors. From August 2021 to July 2022, a total of 45 line transects were established on three types of riverbanks of five rivers entering Chao Lake. We investigated the distribution and populations of bird species on the riverbanks in terms of the distance from the road, bank width, slope gradient, and the cover and average height of trees, shrubs, and herbs. Furthermore, we examined the effects of different riverbank structures on bird diversity. The relationship between bird diversity and habitat factors was quantified using multiple stepwise regression analysis. The results showed that 116 species of birds (14 orders and 44 families) were recorded across the three types of banks, including 36 species of waterbirds, 11 species of national-level protected birds, 35 species locally protected by Anhui Province, and one critically endangered (CR) species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Compared with other types of bank habitats, the artificial bank had the greatest impact on bird diversity, and the natural bank was more conducive to maintaining bird diversity. Herbaceous plant cover and its average height, bank slope gradient, and bank width significantly affected bird diversity. The highest bird species richness was observed on the bank with natural wide slopes, indicating that birds favored gentle natural bank habitats. Our results can provide a scientific basis and technical support for the construction, management, and biodiversity conservation of the riverbanks around Chao Lake.

Key words: bird community, habitat factor, riverbank, Chao Lake