Abundance and variety of birds associated with point sources of water in southwestern New Mexico, U. S. A.

•I counted birds along transects with versus without a point source of water.•Total numbers were nearly three times higher on transects with water.•Species attracted to water included doves, quail, a finch, and wintering sparrows.•Birds drank water more in winter and spring than during the wet summer season.•Water may be as important as habitat structure and food to arid land birds.

Developed waters may improve arid landscapes for birds, but their efficacy requires further study. I counted birds along five 300-m transects originating at point sources of water in a New Mexico grassland, and compared results with those from transects without water. Total birds were nearly three times more abundant on transects with water, but differences were greater in spring and winter than during the wet summer period. Twenty-two of 25 common species trended toward greater abundance on transects with water, eight of these at statistically significant levels, including Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, House Finch, and a variety of wintering sparrows. Sixty-four percent of detections along transects with water occurred <50 m from the water sources, at which birds regularly drank. Results suggest 1) that water attracted birds, especially in dry seasons, and 2) that proximity to water may influence the abundance and composition of avian assemblages in arid landscapes.