Abstract
The Libyan coast is characterized by many different habitats that are used as stopover sites for many migratory and resident birds. The diversity of Mallaha, which is mainly characterized as a salt-marsh habitat, provides refuge and food for many resident and migrant birds. Mallaha is situated north-east of Tripoli city, and is about 2.5 km in length, with a maximum width of about 1.5 km. The site encompasses dry sandy areas; dry and green grasses; semi-wetland; dry and wet streams and canals; brackish and saltwater pools; a variety of different trees and shrubs, dump yards of various types; ruins of old residential and military buildings; gravel and dusty roads. The area is also rich in salt-marsh habitat. A maximum of 39 bird species was observed (aquatic and marine birds, waders and terrestrial); five species, from a total of seven, are included in appendices I, II and III of the CITES agreement as endangered species in some countries, and two species are listed in the SPA protocol / UNEP / MAP. Moreover, the area is inhabited during winter by some important species, such as the Greater Flamingo (Phonecopterus rubber), the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Swans. Breeding of Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), and Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), was recorded during the field visits. Keywords: Marshy habitat, waders, endangered species, Sterna albifrons.