Analysis of Bird Composition and Diversity in Longpao Yangtze River Provincial Wetland Park, China

Wetlands support biodiversity and hydrological regulation; bird communities are sensitive indicators of environmental change. However, evidence linking bird-community patterns to restoration remains limited in the lower Yangtze floodplain wetlands. We aimed to characterize bird-community composition and spatiotemporal diversity in Longpao Yangtze Wetland and examine their association with restoration history. We conducted monthly surveys from November 2024 to September 2025 using line transects, point observations, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) monitoring. Combined records described species composition, standardized field records provided diversity indices, and historical records showed interannual patterns. We recorded 197 species in the combined inventory, including 5 Class I and 30 Class II nationally protected species; standardized surveys recorded 144 species. Winter migrants and Palearctic species were the largest residency and zoogeographical groups, respectively. Diversity was highest in spring and lowest in autumn, although autumn included one survey. Heterogeneous transects YX6 and YX3 had higher diversity. Recorded richness increased from 59 species (2019) to 197 (2025), coinciding with restoration. Longpao Wetland supports diverse birds of conservation concern, emphasizing the value of heterogeneous habitats. Unequal seasonal effort and inconsistent historical methods preclude causal inference. Future research should use standardized long-term monitoring and quantitative habitat analyses to guide hydrological management, habitat enhancement, and community co-management.