A black bird with a white head was wandering through the blooming water lilies on Tongming Lake on May 8. 

Fulica atra [Photo/kfqgw.beijing.gov.cn]

It was Fulica atra, also known as the Eurasian coot, a member of the rail and crake bird family, the Rallidae.

This bird is a second-level national protected animal. It's 36–38 cm in length with a wing-span of 70–80 cm.

As a swimming species, the bird has partial webbing on its long strong legs. 

This creature generally lives in lakes with a lot of reeds and aquatic plants. It mainly feeds on small fish, shrimps and plant shoots in the water, which should be of high quality.

Fulica atra [Photo/kfqgw.beijing.gov.cn]

After the mute swan appeared in the Liangshui River of the Economic and Technological Development Area (BDA), Fulica atra arrived in Tongming Lake of the BDA once again. 

Rare animals have come to settle here one after another, which proves that the efforts made by the BDA in environmental governance are not wasted.

Birds are a barometer of the ecological environment. Now, more and more special wildlife guests are attracted to the BDA.

It's a beautiful example of harmonious coexistence between man and nature.