A dataset of bird diversity and seasonal dynamics in the Qinghai Xining Huangshui River National Wetland Park

Bird population counts were recorded using direct counting or flock counting methods; when the same species was repeatedly recorded at the same location, the maximum count was retained to control for duplicate counting errors.Data compilation and quality control followed standardized protocols: dual independent observation and recording were implemented in the field, and questionable species identifications were reviewed by team experts; after data entry, cross-checking was performed to ensure accuracy of the original records.

Quantitative analyses were conducted using R 4.4.3 software to calculate species richness (S), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′), Pielou evenness index (J), and dominance index (P) for field survey data and data from the China Bird Report Center during 2020–2026, with the reshape2 and ggplot2 packages used to visualize seasonal dynamics of dominant species across ecological guilds. It should be noted that, due to observational constraints, this dataset primarily comprises daytime line transect surveys, with insufficient nighttime survey coverage resulting in missing distribution and abundance information for nocturnal birds (such as some Strigiformes species).

Additionally, historical literature data were used solely to supplement the species checklist and rare records, and were not incorporated into quantitative analyses of population abundance and diversity indices.The dataset is stored in Microsoft Excel (*.xlsx) format with a total data volume of approximately 391 KB, and can be opened directly using Microsoft Excel, WPS Office, or compatible spreadsheet software. The dataset comprises a single workbook containing multiple worksheets, specifically including: (1) a bird species checklist systematically cataloging 267 bird species across 19 orders and 58 families, with fields for Chinese name, Latin scientific name, Chinese endemic species designation, protection status, residency type, and abundance level (dominant species/common species/rare species); (2) a line transect survey raw data table organized by survey date, park section, species, population abundance, longitude and latitude (unit: °, six decimal places retained), and altitude (unit: m), with row labels representing species-specific observation records from individual survey events and column labels encompassing temporal, spatial, species, and abundance attributes, where population abundance is measured in "individual counts" and the table covers species-specific observation records from systematic surveys; (3) a seasonal dynamics statistics table providing Shannon diversity index and Pielou evenness index for spring, summer, autumn, and winter; and (4) an ecological guild dominant species data table presenting dominance indices (%) for dominant species across six guilds—terrestrial birds, raptors, passerines, climbing birds, waders, and waterfowl—in different seasons, to support the construction of seasonal dynamic bubble charts.

The worksheets are interlinked through species names to facilitate cross-table integration and secondary analysis.