Abstract

• The species composition and the effects of water level fluctuation on waterbird population was determined by using fixed radius point count method at Inmagyi Wetland in Myinmu Township, Sagaing Region. A total of 31 waterbird species belonging to 27 genera, 12 families and seven orders were recorded in study areas. The study was conducted from July 2016 to June 2017. Out of 31 species, 19 species were residents and 12 species were winter visitors. Three globally Near Threatened species, Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala and Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus were observed during the study period. The study area was divided into two habitats, that is, marshy swamp and open water body to study the effects of water level fluctuation on waterbird population. The result of the Pearson’s test indicated that negative correlation (r = -0.171) was observed between water level and waterbird population in marshy swamp habitats and almost no correlation (r = 0.005) was observed in open water body habitat. However the population of waterbirds in marshy swamp were significantly different from open water body. This study revealed that Inmagyi Wetland has habitat heterogeneity and seasonal fluctuation of water level that had attracted residents and winter visitors of waterbird species to perform various activities such as feeding, roosting and breeding.