Avian diversity patterns at a constructed wetland: Use of ecological theory in the evaluation of a mine land reclamation technique

Birds were surveyed at a constructed cattail (Typha latifolia) wetland near Coshocton, Ohio, during May and June of 1988, 1989 and 1990, as part of an overall assessment of the environmental integrity of a mine reclamation project. Comparison surveys were also completed at three nearby natural wetland sites similar in size and dominant wetland vegetation. The constructed wetland was established in November 1985 to serve as a treatment system for a deep mine discharge. Results demonstrated the constructed wetland exhibited the fewest number of bird feeding guilds per survey and an intermediate level of bird abundance relative to all sites examined. Significant differences in species diversity and feeding guild diversity patterns were not detected among sites; however, the constructed wetland supported a bird community with a significantly lower species evenness index, suggesting a more harsh and variable habitat relative to the natural wetlands. Our data suggest that the availability of adequate nesting habitat strongly influenced the patterns for avian diversity observed. Results from this study support Trainer's (1969) ideas explaining avian diversity patterns as a function of severity of environmental conditions and demonstrate that ecological precepts can be applied to the evaluation of mine land reclamation programs.