A "surprise guest" recently appeared at Huguangyan Scenic Area in Zhanjiang, Guangdong—a rare Chinese Merganser, recognized by its elegant figure and distinctive crested head.
Experts from the Zhanjiang Bird Lovers Association and Sun Yat-sen University confirmed the sighting, marking the first recorded presence of this globally endangered species in the region.
News of the discovery quickly drew birdwatchers and ecological photographers to Huguangyan Scenic Area (湖光岩风景区), eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive visitor.
Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, the global population of adult Chinese Mergansers is estimated to be only 2,400–4,500. The species favors forested river valleys and clear, minimally disturbed lakes, making it a reliable indicator of ecological health. Its winter journey from breeding grounds in northeast China to Zhanjiang highlights the city's high-quality natural environment.
Zhanjiang has established itself as a vital sanctuary for rare birds. As of 2024, the Zhanjiang Bird Lovers Association had recorded 373 bird species, including 15 nationally protected first-class and 71 second-class species. Recent years have also seen new arrivals such as grey plovers and wire-tailed swallows, further reflecting the area's rich biodiversity.
The area supports critical populations of globally endangered birds like the spoon-billed sandpiper and black-faced spoonbill, and continuous monitoring shows that both the diversity and population sizes of birds are on the rise, underscoring the success of local conservation efforts.
Reporter: Hu Mengjie
Photo: Cheng Li
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
