Xi’an: The arrival of aerial birds is the best testament to a city’s ecological health. Today, Xi’an, Shaanxi boasts clear rivers and lakes and lush vegetation, and the increasingly improved ecological environment has attracted many birds to settle here. These small birds flitting among waterways and forests bear witness to the gradual changes in the environment of this ancient capital. Through their presence, we can see the tangible results of ecological protection in Xi’an.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the egret is a kind of state-protected ‘three-value’ wildlife and a representative water bird in the river, lake, and wetland areas in Xi’an. Adult egrets measure 55-65 cm in length and typically inhabit urban waterfront shallow areas such as the Weihe River, the Chanba Wetland, and the moat around the City Wall. Highly sensitive to the environment, egrets prefer places with clean water and less human disturbance. Their stable settlement directly reflects the success of Xi’an in water environment governance and wetland restoration.
The red-billed blue magpie is another kind of state-protected ‘three-value’ wildlife and a resident bird found in the northern foot of the Qinling Mountains, urban parks, and riparian forest belts in Xi’an. With a relatively large size – adults measuring 54-68 cm in length – and long tail feathers, it does not migrate. This bird benefits agriculture and forestry by preying on forest pests, playing a positive role in maintaining the ecological balance of forest land and urban greening.
The white-headed bulbul, commonly known as the Chinese bulbul, is also a kind of state-protected ‘three-value’ wildlife and a small resident bird with wide distribution and strong adaptability in Xi’an. Adults measure 17-22 cm in length and widely inhabit urban residential areas, campuses, roadside green spaces, parks, and riparian forest belts. Highly adapted to human living environment, they do not migrate and are the most representative companion bird in Xi’an.
The black-winged stilt is also a kind of state-protected ‘three-value’ wildlife and a common migratory bird passing through the tidal flats of the Weihe River, wetlands, and lakes in Xi’an. It is a medium-sized wader, with an adult measuring 35-40 cm in length. It has highly distinctive long red legs and typically inhabits shallow waters, marshes, and riverbank wetlands.
Collectively, these birds indicate the improving ecological conditions in Xi’an. The presence and activities of these birds underscore the region’s commitment to ecological protection and restoration, highlighting the balance between urban development and nature conservation.