Ecological photographer Wang Yongxiang recently documented a significant wildlife observation in the Yangtze River West Channel wetlands in Zhangjiagang, a county-level city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province. He observed a congregation of more than 10 reed parrotbills, a species that is classified as near-threatened on a global scale, constituting the first recorded instance of this species forming flocks in the Zhangjiagang area.
More than 10 reed parrotbills are recently observed in the Yangtze River West Channel wetlands in Zhangjiagang. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
As a national protected second-class species and a rare bird native to China, the reed parrotbill holds a significant position in the country's avian biodiversity. This bird relies heavily on reed wetland habitats for its survival, nesting, and foraging activities, and it has a small population. In recent years, Zhangjiagang has implemented ecological restoration and conservation initiatives along the Yangtze River, focusing on wetland conservation and vegetation restoration. These efforts have improved local habitats, providing the reed parrotbill with more suitable nesting sites and a plentiful supply of food. As a result, there has been a marked and steady increase in these rare bird sightings.
The presence of these birds in flocks highlights the significant improvement in wetland ecological quality. Thanks to ongoing Yangtze River conservation efforts, more rare bird species are now visiting the area. To date, over 340 bird species have been documented in the Yangtze River West Channel region of Zhangjiagang — representing more than 80 percent of Suzhou's bird species and 70 percent of the total in Jiangsu province.