Northwestern coastal wetlands around the White Sea and Barents Sea provide key habitat for long-distance migrants from the East Atlantic Flyway. Key populations of Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, and other palearctic species, rely on these habitats for breeding. These remote habitats are vital for the survival of Palaearctic migrants, but the accelerating impacts of climate change pose significant threats to their existence.
Angola’s coastal estuaries and deltas, though under-studied, are known to serve as important stopover habitats for migratory shorebirds such as Sanderling and Sandwich tern and local breeding populations of Damara Terns and Cape Cormorants. Protecting these wetlands benefits both long-distance migrants and regionally important waterbirds.
The Scheldt estuary provides feeding grounds for migratory Dunlin, Eurasian Oystercatcher and Northern Lapwing, as well as breeding populations of Common Shellduck,Black-headed and Mediterranean Gull. Habitat restoration and management efforts focus on sustaining this diverse assemblage of coastal waterbirds.
Coastal lagoons and floodplains in Benin host migratory Greater Flamingos, Bar-tailed Godwits, while the African Jana, African Openbill and many heron species breed locally. Conservation efforts aim to maintain these wetlands despite pressures from urbanization and agriculture.
Cameroon’s Wouri Estuary provides habitat for migratory Little tern, Common Ringed Plover and Common Greenshank, and resident populations of African DArter and the African Jacarna. These wetlands form an important link between local breeding habitats and the wider flyway network.
Canada’s eastern Arctic tundra and coastal wetlands are key breeding grounds for Red Knot and Ruddy Turnstone. Arctic Terns and Common Eiders also breed here, with this region marking the northern terminus of the East Atlantic Flyway’s breeding distribution. Protection of these remote breeding sites is crucial for flyway-wide population health.
The archipelago’s coastal wetlands, including the Maio and Boa Vista lagoons, serve as key stopover sites for migratory Ruddy Turnstones and Arctic Terns, and provide breeding grounds for endemic species such as the Cape Verde Shearwater. The sites are essential stopover points, also bridging trans-Atlantic migration. Protection of these small but crucial habitats is key to safeguarding flyway continuity.
Coastal mangroves and mudflats in Congo provide seasonal stopover points for migratory species and support resident species such as the African Swamphen. These habitats contribute to sustaining trans-equatorial migration pathways along the Central African coast.
The DRC’s coastal mangroves and river estuaries offer essential resting and feeding grounds for migratory waders. Protection of these relatively intact habitats is key to maintaining flyway continuity in this biodiversity-rich region.
Denmark’s tidal flats, including the Wadden Sea World Heritage site, and fjords are vital for migratory species like Golden Plover, Common Teal and Northern Pintail, as well as breeding Eurasian Oystercatchers, Common Redshanks and Northern Lapwings. Conservation measures include habitat protection, preserving food availability and minimizing disturbance from tourism and industry.
Coastal wetlands and islands support migratory Whimbrels and Common Ringed Plover, while resident species breed locally. These sites act as vital stepping stones for migration and regional biodiversity.
Estonia’s coastal islands and wetlands are important breeding sites for Grey Herons, and Black-headed Gulls, and host migratory congregations of Goldeneyes and Long-tailed Ducks. The combined importance for breeding and migration makes Estonia important in flyway conservation.
The Faroe Islands’ coastal cliffs and shorelines are critical resting sites for migratory Sanderling and Purple Sandpipers and key breeding grounds for Arctic Terns, Northern Fulmars, and Common Guillemots. Their protection helps maintain safe migration routes across the North Atlantic.
Finland’s extensive archipelagos and coastal wetlands provide breeding habitat for Arctic Terns, Red‑breasted Merganser and various gull species, with large numbers of migratory waterbirds using the sites as stopovers during winter. The balance of breeding and migratory species underscores Finland’s importance in northern waterbird conservation.
The Camargue and Gironde Estuary offer key habitat for migratory Common Teals, Golden Plovers and Little gulls, alongside resident breeders like Pied Avocet, Kentish Plover and Eurasian Spoonbill.The coastal wetlands are essential for linking breeding and wintering populations across the flyway. Integrated conservation protects habitat quality critical to both local and migratory waterbirds.
Gabon’s pristine coastal estuaries host migrating Eurasian Whimbrels and Sanderlings, as well as locally breeding species, emphasizing the wetlands’ multifaceted importance. Conservation here benefits both migratory and endemic species.
The Gambia River estuary’s tidal flats and mangroves host considerable numbers of Curlew Sandpipers and Common Ringed Plovers during migration. Conservation here combines habitat protection with community-based management to balance human needs and biodiversity.
Germany’s Wadden Sea coastline is a vital staging and wintering areas for migratory Brent Goose, Curlew Sandpiper, Northern Shoveller, as well as moulting Common Eiders. Resident breeding populations include Eurasian Spoonbills, Black-tailed Godwits, and Pied Avocets. Cross-border cooperation ensures protection of this shared World Heritage Site which is one of the flyway’s most critical sites for migratory waterbirds, but also faces many threats from human activities and climate change.
Songor Lagoon and other coastal wetlands in Ghana are key wintering and staging sites for species such as Whimbrel and Common Redshank, hosting thousands of birds annually. This also support locally breeding Black‑winged Stilts and Little Terns. Hence, these wetlands sustain a diverse assemblage of waterbirds across spatial and temporal scales.Local conservation initiatives focus on managing human activities to preserve these vital habitats.
Greenland’s fjords and coastal tundra are important breeding sites for Common Eider, Red Knot, Dunlin and Sanderling. These remote Arctic habitats sustain critical populations of Pink-footed Goose and King Eider, highlighting that these habitats are vital for sustaining high-Arctic breeding populations.
Tidal flats and coastal lagoons support migratory specis like Eurasian Oystercatcher and Pied Avocet, and locally bredeing terns and herons. Sustainable management is critical to conserve this biodiversity, reducing human pressures.
Guinea-Bissau’s coastal mangroves and lagoons, especially the Bijagós Archipelago, a World Heritage Site, together with the Cacheu and Cumbijã estuaries, support large numbers of migratory Common Redshanks, Curlew Sandpipers, and Whimbrels. The archipelago is also a major breeding stronghold for various tern species, making it one of the most important coastal wetland systems in West Africa for both migratory and resident waterbirds. Community-led conservation aids in sustaining these interconnected bird populations.
Iceland’s coastal lagoons and cliffs are key breeding and stopover habitats for Sanderlings, Red Knots, and host significant colonies of Black Guillemots and Atlantic Puffins. The wetlands and coastal cliffs support a diversity of breeding seabirds essential to the flyway’s Arctic segment.
Ireland’s coastal wetlands such as the Wexford Slobs and Lough Foyle serve as vital breeding sites for Arctic Terns, Common Guillemot, and Nothern Lapwing. These areas also support wintering Dunlins, Eurasian Wigeons and Northern Lapwings, underpinning Ireland’s role in the flyway’s northern network. Habitat management balances conservation with sustainable local use.
The country’s coastal mangroves and lagoons are important sites for migratory shorebirds and local breeders. This overlap underscores the importance of protecting wetlands for both global migrants and resident species.
The Gulf of Riga’s wetlands support breeding populations of terns and gulls, while also hosting several migratory species during winter. These protected coastal wetlands are crucial for sustaining both migratory and resident waterbirds.
Mangrove swamps and estuaries support migratory waders and locally breeding species, highlighting the dual importance of these coastal habitats. Conservation actions are increasing to safeguard these wetlands coastal development.
Lithuania’s Baltic Sea coast wetlands are key areas for several breeding species, and wintering Mallars, Goldeneyes and Velvet Scooters. Protection of these coastal habitats is vital for maintaining the region’s waterbird biodiversity.
The Banc d’Arguin National Park’s extensive mudflats sustain millions of waterbirds, including Bar-tailed Godwits and Eurasian Oystercatchers, as well as local breeders including Royal Terns and the endemic African Spoonbill, making this World Heritage Site one of the flyway’s most critical sites for conserving both migratory and resident waterbirds. Other important wetlands like Djawling, strengthen the countries central role along the flyway.
Morocco’s Merja Zerga and Oualidia lagoons are vital coastal wetlands hosting migratory species such as Eurasian Wigeon, Dunlin and Ruff. Resident breeding populations include Pied Avocet, Slender-billed Gulls, but also Audouin’s Gulls, making these sites critical for both migratory connectivity and regional biodiversity. Conservation programs here work to mitigate threats from agriculture and water extraction.
Namibia’s Walvis Bay lagoon and salt pans host large numbers of migratory Grey Plovers, Sanderlings and Curlew Sandpipers alongside important resident species like Damara Tern and Chestnut-banded Plover, which breed locally. The combination of migratory and resident birds highlights the wetlands’ role in sustaining biodiversity and supporting ecological processes.
Nigeria’s Niger Delta is one of the largest and most biodiverse coastal wetlands in Africa. The mangroves shelter huge numbers of migratory waterbirds like Northern Shoveller, Ruff, and Black-tailed Godwit, alongside locally breeding species like White-faced Whistling-ducks. Its conservation is vital, though threatened by oil development and habitat loss.
Norway’s fjords and sheltered coastal wetlands serve as important breeding grounds for Common Eider, Razorbills and Great Skuas, while hosting important numbers of wintering Common Eider, Mallard and Common Guillemots. The rugged northern coastline supports both resident and migratory waterbirds essential for the flyway’s Arctic segment. Balancing fisheries, the construction of wind mills and habitat conservation is an ongoing challenge.
Poland’s Baltic Sea coast and Vistula Lagoon provide important resting sites for migratory birds such as Mallar, Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal, alongside breeding Common Shellducks and Eurasian Oystercatchers. National protection efforts focus on habitat preservation within Natura 2000 areas.
Portugal’s Tagus Estuary, Sado Estuary, and Ria Formosa are internationally recognized coastal wetlands hosting large numbers of migratory Black-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlew, and Greater Flamingos, alongside locally breeding species. These wetlands provide crucial staging and breeding grounds along the flyway’s western corridor. Conservation efforts emphasize maintaining water quality and reducing disturbance to support these waterbird assemblages.
Northwestern coastal wetlands around the White Sea and Barents Sea provide key habitat for long-distance migrants from the East Atlantic Flyway. Key populations of Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, and other palearctic species, rely on these habitats for breeding. These remote habitats are vital for the survival of Palaearctic migrants, but the accelerating impacts of climate change pose significant threats to their existence.
The islands’ coastal wetlands serve as critical stopover habitats for birds making the trans-Gulf journey, including Whimbrels and other shorebirds. Their strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea makes them indispensable for migration success. Protection needs to support both migratory corridors and island residents.
The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, the Saloum Delta, and Langue de Barbarie, support internationally important numbers of migratory Northern Pintail, Greater Flamingos and Grey herons. These sites also host breeding Great White Pelican and Royal Terns, making Senegal one of the most critical countries on the East Atlantic Flyway for both migratory and resident waterbirds.
Coastal mudflats and estuaries, like Yawri Bay and the Sierra Leone River Estuary, serve migratory Curlew Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover and Bar-tailed Godwits as well as locally breeding herons, making these wetlands important year-round refuges. Maintaining habitat integrity supports complex waterbird communities.
South Africa’s coastal wetlands, such as the St. Lucia Estuary and Langebaan Lagoon, support not only migratory species like Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling or Greater Flamingo but also key resident and regional breeders including the endemic African Black Oystercatcher, White-backed Duck and Cape Cormorant. These sites serve as critical wintering and breeding grounds, connecting local populations with the broader flyway.
Spain’s Doñana National Park, Ebro Delta, and Cádiz Bay are internationally significant coastal wetlands hosting considerable numbers of migratory waterbids, as well as breeding species like the Purple Swamphen and Glossy Ibis. Their dual function as migratory stopover and breeding habitat underpins their regional importance. Conservation frameworks aims balancing ecological integrity with sustainable human use.
Sweden’s Baltic archipelagos and coastal areas are crucial breeding sites for Ruddy Turnstone, Dunlin and Common Ringed Plover, while also hosting significant numbers of wintering Scaups and Long-tailed ducks. These wetlands also support breeding European Herring Gulls and Arctic Terns, highlighting Sweden’s role in sustaining diverse coastal bird populations. Habitat management targets reducing human disturbance during sensitive periods.
The Wadden Sea World Heritage site and the Dutch Delta rank among the world’s most important coastal wetlands, hosting large numbers of wintering Eurasian Wigeon, Dunlins and Barnacle Goose. Locally breeding Pied Avocets, Eurasian Spoonbills, and Sandwich Terns benefit from strong legal protection and adaptive habitat management. Further, many research institutions work on flyway conservation.
Togo’s coastal wetlands provide refuge for migratory shorebirds and also support local breeders, reflecting the wetlands’ ecological richness. Conservation efforts must address pressures threatening both groups.
The UK’s estuaries such as the Wash, Solway Firth, and Morecambe Bay support internationally important populations of Eurasian Oystercatchers, Dunlins, and Red Knots. Breeding species include Eurasian Curlews, Sandwich Terns, and Black-headed Gulls. Conservation partnerships and protected site designations safeguard these key coastal habitats.
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