A close-up of a yellow-breasted bunting. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
A recent biodiversity survey in Yongjia county, Wenzhou, led to the exciting discovery of the critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting in the Nanxi River area.
The bird, a national first-class protected animal, is known for its striking appearance, with a vivid yellow breast and a distinctive deep chestnut band across the chests of males. Measuring about 15 centimeters, it is similar in size to a sparrow.
The yellow-breasted bunting's population has drastically declined over the years, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify it as critically endangered in 2017. In 2021, China upgraded its protection status to a national first-class protected wild animal.
Researchers observed the birds perching on grass stems and shrubs at dawn and dusk. After several months of tracking, they confirmed the presence of the yellow-breasted bunting.
The breeding season for this species lasts from May to July, and they prefer to feed on insects. The improving ecological environment of the Nanxi River, with its clean water and abundant fish, shrimp, and aquatic insects, provides an ideal habitat for various bird species, including the Chinese merganser and the yellow-breasted bunting.
Yongjia boasts excellent natural conditions and a stable ecosystem, with a forest coverage rate of 77.09 percent. Surveys have recorded 156 bird species, including two national first-class protected wild animals. Additionally, 17 species are listed as national second-class protected wild animals, such as the silver pheasant and the Eurasian kestrel.
