Over-Summering Shorebird Recruitment to Unconventional Habitats on the West Coast of India

The rapid decline of migratory shorebirds in coastal habitats along the west coast of India and their recent shift toward agroecosystems as wintering grounds, raises concerns about adaptive habitat switching. This study investigated 13 common migrant shorebird species during their over-summering period (June–July) from 2016 to 2023, focusing on age-based demographic patterns across coastal and agroecosystems. The analysis revealed a significant decline in both the overall abundance of over-summering shorebirds and the proportion of immature individuals within the coastal ecosystem. In contrast, agroecosystems experienced a significant increase in both total abundance and the presence of immature shorebirds. Adult shorebirds exhibited consistent patterns across both habitat types, suggesting strong site fidelity. While these findings imply habitat degradation as a primary driver of the observed shift, further research spanning multiple generations is necessary to fully comprehend the underlying factors and the potential for ongoing evolutionary adjustments within the shorebird population. Additionally, the study underscores the urgent need for both coastal habitat restoration and the protection of agroecosystems, recognizing their crucial role as nursery grounds for the immature shorebird population along the west coast of India.