There are relatively few vertebrates, however, that can survive in this habitat, although several species spend at least part of their lives in swamps. Some fish, like gar and bowfin, are permanent swamp residents. Many other species of fish use the swamp as a nursery for juvenile fish, or move into swamps to feed during periods of high water levels. Unlike other vertebrates, reptiles and amphibians are superbly adapted for life in the swamp. Alligators, cottonmouths and other snakes, lizards like the skink, and lots and lots of frogs live in the swamp.
Birds are also important members of the swamp community.
Predators like the Barred Owl, or the Marsh Hawk or Red-Tailed Hawk, are commonly seen flying through the swamp. Wading birds, ducks, and other waterbirds are specifically adapted to a wetlands environment. Wading birds commonly locate their huge nesting colonies in the swamp, where many potential predators can't reach them. Their biggest predators are snakes and fish crows, to whom the water is not an obstacle. Other predators, like raccoons, can only reach the colony during extended droughts.