Information of birds in estuaries of Santa Catarina is scarce. This work aimed to collect data on diversity, abundance and seasonal variation on this community. Sampling of birds in two tidal flats in Babitonga Bay estuary was carried out during one year (May 2006 to April 2007). A total of 25 species were identified, being 15 in Linguado (LG) and 24 in Monte de Trigo (MT). Only one species was unique in LG (Himantopus melanurus Vieillot, 1817) and 10 in MT. The number of species in MT was higher than in LG due to the conservation condition. The most abundant species on MT was the Black Skimmer [Rynchops niger (Linnaeus, 1758)] and in the LG was the Little Blue Heron [Egretta caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758)]. During some months Nearctic migratory species were recorded in both areas, representing an increase in diversity. The extensive tidal flat formed by the closure of the channel in LG is widely used by birds, possibly because of increased food availability.
Shorebirds; anthropic areas; Calidris canutus
