Abstract
Abstract Libya is characterized by different topographies, resulted in variation and diversity in the ecosystems. Most of these ecosystems are visited by migratory birds in different numbers, particularly, the coastal areas where wetlands, water bodies and the Mediterranean climate. Wetlands are the most preferred habitats for resident and migratory birds, especially for aquatic birds. However, these areas are considered as a stopover for many species during their migration, because they provide a suitable shelter and food. This paper aimed to study the aquatic birds that are wintering in three wetlands in Misrata during the month of January 2017-2019, as part of the results of the national census of wintering waterbirds in Libya which is supervised by Wetland International (Wl). The study was carried out in three wetland sites, including a man-made wetland (Misrata treatment plant) and two natural sites (Wadi Sassou and Qaser Ahmed). A total of 40 waterbird species were recorded. The highest number of species was in Qaser Ahmed (28 species) and the lowest number was in Misrata treatment plant (13 species). This study also recorded two globally threatened species: Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea and Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata according to the IUCN Red List. Moreover, five endangered species in the Mediterranean were recorded by this study, which are listed as endangered in the Annex II of the Regional Activities Center for Specially Protected Areas of the United Nations Environment Program (Annex II, RAC / SPA - MAP / UNEP). This study recommends nominating Qaser Ahmed wetland as a national Ramsar site of the Ramsar Convention, because of its characteristics that are in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Key words: Aquatic birds, Wetlands, Diversity, Threatened species and Misrata