On April 17, over 200 photography enthusiasts from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Foshan, and Shaoguan, equipped with telephoto lenses and gear, flocked to Shantang Town in Qingxin, Qingyuan, Guangdong Province. They hoped to capture images of the elusive Glossy Ibis—a critically endangered species often dubbed the "panda of the avian world."
The rare sighting traces back to late March when local birdwatchers in Qingyuan first photographed seven unfamiliar large "black" birds. After consulting experts and verifying records, the birds were confirmed to be Glossy Ibises (Plegadis falcinellus), marking the species' debut appearance in Qingyuan.
Belonging to the Plegadis genus, Threskiornithidae family, Pelecaniformes order, and Aves class, the Glossy Ibis boasts a slender silhouette, chestnut-purple plumage, and a distinctive curved bill. Its feathers shift hues under varying light, earning it the Chinese name "Caihuan" (meaning colorful ibis). As a close relative of the Crested Ibis, the species was once presumed extinct in China until it was rediscovered in Yunnan in 2009. With a population scarcer than that of giant pandas, it holds the status of the "panda of the avian world."
Primarily inhabiting warm wetlands, lakes, and marshes, while occasionally venturing into rice fields, Glossy Ibises thrive in flocks, feeding on aquatic insects, insect larvae, shrimps, and crustaceans. Experts speculate that the Glossy Ibises spotted in Qingyuan may be migratory birds pausing temporarily to rest and forage during their journey.
The Qingyuan Forestry Administration's Wildlife Protection Department has urged observers to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the birds. The department has also appealed to local residents to refrain from interrupting these "esteemed guests" coming from afar.
Some bird photography enthusiasts have also called on the relevant departments to strengthen research on the migration patterns of migratory birds in the region and to formulate targeted protection measures, such as increasing wetland patrols and management during migratory seasons.
Video Source | Qingyuan Daily
Editor | Hong Ting (intern), Wei Shen, James, Shen He
