On April 9, Guangzhou Haizhu National Wetland Park made its first-ever discovery of the endangered Oriental White Stork, a nationally protected and critically endangered species.

This elegant bird was spotted for the first time resting on the shallow beach recently constructed by the Wetland Management Center on the park, marking an increase in the park's bird species to 197.

The Oriental White Stork, scientifically known as Ciconia boyciana, is a large wading bird with a graceful posture, black beak, red skin around the eyes, and white irises. It typically inhabits shallow waters on the edges of lakes. Due to its narrow breeding distribution and scarce population, it is currently globally endangered and has been listed as China's first-level protected wildlife species since 1989.

The stork is a rare migratory bird that passes through during spring and autumn but seldom lands and stays in the urban areas of Guangzhou.

As of April 2024, the Haizhu Wetland has recorded 835 species of vascular plants, 738 species of insects, 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of reptiles, 197 species of birds, 10 species of mammals, 64 species of fish, and 67 species of benthic organisms.

Oriental White Stork. [Photo/WeChat account: gzhzfb]