Aspects of the distribution of riparian birds on waterways in Britain and Ireland

Abstract

This is the first comprehensive report of the Waterways Bird Survey, which was initiated in 1974 to provide a riparian extension to the Common Birds Census. The paper reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of data obtained to date, and there is no doubt that larger samples of plots are required if the scheme is to develop. Interesting correlations of riparian birds with altitude and gradient are shown; but the scheme is not yet in a position to make definitive comparisons of the ornithological importance of waterways on a regional basis.