【Objective】This study aims to investigate the population dynamics and habitat characteristics of the endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) during the wintering periods in Yuhuan Xuanmen Bay Wetland of Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the protection of this species and habitat management.【Method】During six consecutive wintering periods from 2015 to 2021, the population dynamics and influencing factors of P. minor were analyzed by comparing the individual numbers and distribution patterns of different wintering periods using the line transect and point count methods. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationship between the wintering duration and climate factors. 12 habitat factors were investigated using the quadrat method, and the main factors affecting habitat selection were determined through principal component analysis.【Result】The P. minor usually arrives at the Xuanmen Bay Wetland in mid to late October and leaves in mid to late April. The wintering duration is (176.83±3.48) days, and it is only significantly positive correlation with the rain days in February and March (P<0.05). The individual numbers of wintering P. minor are (77.00±3.00) individuals from 2015 to 2017, (43.67±2.62) individuals from 2017 to 2020, and 68 from 2020 to 2021. The population dynamics of P. minor follows a “bell-shaped” pattern in most years, with some years showing an “M-shaped” pattern. A total of 19 distribution points of P. minor are recorded in the Xuanmen Bay Wetland, including 10 points in the wetland park and 9 points in the phase Ⅲ construction area. The P. minor is mainly distributed in the wetland park, with fewer in the phase Ⅲ construction area. Principal component analysis shows that vegetation coverage [(15.91±15.79)%], bare mud proportion [(66.36±28.45)%], closest distance to road [(1 166.46±627.89) m], vegetation height [(0.80±0.93) m], and closest distance to residential location [(1 616.18±490.08) m] are the main factors affecting habitat selection for the P. minor.【Conclusion】The Xuanmen Bay Wetland in Yuhuan, Zhejiang, is an important wintering ground and stopover for the P. minor. The wintering duration of this species extends with the increase of rain days in February and March. The population dynamics of this species is fluctuated by habitat modification and engineering construction. The P. minor prefers to inhabit the environment with sparse vegetation distribution, large bare mud area, and low human interference and noise. Reducing human interference, avoiding construction during the wintering periods, preserving the shallows and aquaculture ponds, and controlling water levels may help to protect this species.
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