A flock of rare Asian openbill storks, protected under national second-class protection, have been spotted for the first time in Yinjiang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. This remarkable sighting marks an extraordinary event for both locals and bird enthusiasts.
Traditionally found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the appearance of these storks in Yinjiang highlights the improving ecological environment of the region. Known as the “spirit of the wetland” due to their unique beak shape and elegant demeanor, Asian openbill storks are large migratory birds with a migration season spanning from spring until June.
These storks are highly selective about their habitats, preferring locations with rich food sources and favorable ecological conditions. They primarily inhabit rivers, marshes, and coastal mudflats, feeding mainly on mollusks, as well as fish, shrimp, and shellfish.
The successful conservation efforts by local authorities have not only attracted the Asian openbill storks but also other nationally protected rare waterbirds. Species such as the little egret, mandarin duck, gray heron, common pochard, tufted duck, and Eurasian coot have been spotted along the Yinjiang River, showcasing the region’s thriving biodiversity.
