SEASONAL AND TIDAL VARIATION IN DENSITIES OF FEEDING BIRDS ON TIDAL MUD FLATS

Densities of feeding birds were estimated on tidal mud flats in relati on to season and tide Dunlin, Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Golden Plover, Common Gull, and Black-headed Gull were most abundant. Seasonal variation was significant in all species. In general, there w as a correlation between bird numbers on study plots and total bird nu mbers in the area. Preferences for a particular sediment type and prom inent occurence at tideline in some species was explained as an adapti on to differential food availability.