A close-up of Chinese crested terns. [Photo/He Jibai]
The Nanji Archipelago National Marine Nature Reserve in Pingyang, Wenzhou, witnessed a momentous occasion on June 9 at 12:02 pm with the hatching of the first Chinese crested tern chick of the year.
This event marks a promising start to the breeding season for one of the world's most endangered birds, affectionately known as the "mythical bird" due to its rarity and elusive presence.
With a global population of just over 200, the Chinese crested tern is a national first-class protected animal.
In April 2023, Pingzhi Island in the Nanji Archipelago became the third site in the province to artificially attract these birds, successfully hatching a chick that year.
This year, three pairs of terns have laid eggs, with one chick already having hatched and two more expected soon, bringing joy and surprise to the conservation team.
The chick, with its fluffy grey feathers and unsteady stance, has captured hearts as it peeks out from under its mother's protective care. The parents are vigilant, shielding their offspring from the cacophony of the adult terns' calls.
The breeding process for the Chinese crested tern is fraught with challenges, including a lengthy incubation period and threats from natural predators. Despite these obstacles, the healthy appetite and robust condition of the new chick offer hope for its survival and the species' future.
As of June 11, the breeding population on Pingzhi Island had reached a record-breaking 1,600 crested terns, including eight Chinese crested terns.
