New waterbird breeding records in Western Province, Zambia

Abstract

Knowledge of where species breed is important for understanding population trends, range shifts and conservation threats. During fieldwork in 2019–2023 in Western Province, Zambia, we recorded evidence of breeding of 21 waterbird species. According to known literature, these are considered the first breeding records for 14 species in this region of Zambia. Notably, we also confirmed the persistence of a breeding population of Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybrida in Liuwa Plain National Park over 40 years after the last published report. Despite the logistical difficulties of the region, improved ornithological coverage for waterbird species is needed.