Abstract: Sampling investigation in Xiamen intertidal zone during spring indicated that waders were the main components of intertidal avian communities and 44.4% of the components of intertidal avian communities were composed by shorebirds(charadriiformes). Among populations, and Hirundo rustica were more common than other species. The structure of bird communities in each sampling area was analyzed, and the similarity between communities was studied by using cluster analysis method. The results demonstrated that the avian communities in Xiamen intertidal zone might be classified into three types and the community similarity was related to the intertidal base. Also, the influential factors of community diversity and the economic significance of the birds in Xiamen intertidal zone were discussed.

Key words: Yangtze Estuary, Dongtan of Chongming Island, reclaimed tidal wetland, water table manipulation, soil respiration.