The accelerated degradation of natural wetlands globally,spurred by climate change and intensified human activities,has led to a significant decline in wetland-dependent waterbird populations. Consequently,the conservation of waterbirds and their habitats has become an urgent priority. Understanding the diversity and spatial distribution patterns of waterbirds in a given region is fundamental for developing effective conservation strategies. Yunnan Province,which is rich in wetland resources,requires detailed knowledge of its waterbird diversity,distribution,residency types,and ecological requirements to support wetland conservation efforts. This study assesses the diversity and spatial distribution of waterbirds in Yunnan Province through field surveys,literature reviews,and citizen science data analysis,and investigates the key environmental factors influencing waterbird diversity based on field data. Results show that Yunnan Province hosts 194 species of waterbirds,exhibiting diverse residency types,ecological groups,and trophic niches. However,waterbird dominance is uneven,characterized by a limited number of dominant species and highest richness among occasional species. Waterbirds were concentrated in lakes and reservoirs with larger area. Area,wetland type,and distance between wetlands were identified as the primary factors influencing waterbird diversity. It is recommended to strengthen the monitoring of overwintering and migratory waterbirds in the wetlands with large area and to expand survey efforts to other regions and seasons. Additionally,wetland restoration and construction should account for the habitat requirements of various ecological guilds of waterbirds,focusing particularly on conserving and establishing shallow marshes and mudflats to provide habitats for large numbers of shorebirds.