Mangroves are saltwater specialists, trees that have mechanisms to help them get rid of salt they absorb from living on the coast, often with their roots in salt water. This gives them the ability to out-compete other tree species and dominate the water’s edge, forming dense forests. Since mangroves are freeze-sensitive, they generally do not extend to north Florida, but their range has recently been shown to be expanding, perhaps because of changing climatic conditions. Their tangled root systems form ideal nurseries for immature fish. This, combined with the dense canopy of leaves makes mangrove swamp great bird habitat. Almost 200 bird species have been known to use this habitat, including Mangrove Cuckoos and Reddish Egrets.
