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Abstract
Variation in bird diversity and abundance across habitats and over time might help pinpoint critical habitats for conservation. I studied seasonal changes of bird diversity and abundance in wetland and upland habitats of the Calakmul region of Mexico. Season had a strong effect on bird diversity, but habitat type did not. Winter had the highest diversity value due to the arrival of insectivorous Neotropical migrants. Tropical resident birds underwent seasonal fluctuation in diversity as well. Neotropical migrants did not show preference for any habitat type. Although resident nectarivores, insectivores, and generalists fluctuated in concert over time, specific tropical species exhibited different habitat preferences and changes in abundance over time. The protection of the continuous mosaic of wetlands and uplands of Calakmul will be fundamental for the preservation of bird communities in the long term.
