Objective This study was carried out in residential areas with birds as the index making up the gap, so as to more comprehensively understand the pattern of urban biodiversity. We took residential areas in the central of Beijing as research area to explore whether urban residential areas are important activity spaces for birds. The seasonal changes of resident birds, migratory birds and different feeding birds were compared, and the influencing factors of bird diversity were explored, which provide basic support for the protection of bird diversity in residential areas and the construction of biodiversity city.

Method 40 residential areas were selected to carry out a one-year bird survey. Variance analysis was used to compare the differences of bird community characteristics in different seasons, and principal coordinates analysis was used to compare the bird community composition in different seasons. A generalized linear model was used to explore the key factors affecting the bird diversity.

Result A total of 51 species, 23 families and 10 orders of birds were recorded. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) was the most dominant species. Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyanus), Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Common Magpie (Pica pica) and Light-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) were dominant species. The species richness and abundance of birds showed a bimodal pattern. The species in spring and autumn was significantly higher than that in summer and winter, but the difference of abundance was not significant. The species, abundance and density of resident birds were significantly higher than migratory birds. There was a significant difference between migratory birds in different seasons, while the resident birds. The species, abundance and density of birds with different diet were significantly different. The omnivorous was the highest, the carnivorous was the lowest, and the insectivorous changed significantly with the seasons. The community structure of resident and migratory birds was different in response to seasonal changes. Migratory birds changed with the seasons, while resident birds remained stable throughout the year. The resident birds were not significantly affected by environmental factors, while the migratory birds were significantly. Building density, road density and building floors had negative effects on bird diversity, and tree coverage had positive effects.

Conclusion The study revealed that residential areas iare important activity space for birds in highly urbanized areas, which play an important role in maintaining the diversity of urban birds. Arbors have a significant positive effect on bird diversity. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen the habitat construction in residential green space, which help the urban biodiversity conservation.