The Reed Parrotbill, which is under second-class national protection, was recently spotted during a biodiversity observation at the Dongling wetland in Rudong, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province.

The species, which is rare and endemic to China, has been listed as near-threatened globally. It is exclusively found in reed beds and its survival and reproduction are greatly affected by the loss of its habitat.

Known as the "Giant Panda of Birds", the Reed Parrotbill exhibits a high level of sensitivity to changes in the wetland environment.

The vast natural restoration of reed beds in the Dongling wetland has attracted the rare birds.

The Reed Parrotbill typically does not migrate. Researchers speculated that the small group of Reed Parrotbills spotted in this reed area would likely be breeding.

The increasing presence of rare bird species in Rudong is made possible by the continuous improvement of the environment.

In recent years, the county has been actively enhancing the protection of the coastal environment and strengthening the restoration of coastal wetlands.

Local authorities have integrated ecological civilization construction into all aspects of economic and social development, making sustainability the foundation of high-quality development.

The Reed Parrotbill. [Photo/Nantong Daily]