A Phylloscopus ricketti is spotted at the Anji Xiaoni National Nature Reserve in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

Phylloscopus ricketti was recently spotted by a group of volunteers at the Anji Xiaoni National Nature Reserve in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported.

This is the first time that the bird, also known as the sulphur-breasted warbler, has been observed in the city.

The newly-discovered species, which has a vivid yellow underbelly and greenish back, mainly breeds in Gansu, Sichuan, and Guizhou, among other places in China.

It has been inscribed on the list of terrestrial wildlife under State protection, which is reserved for species that are beneficial or of important economic or scientific value.

The frequent appearance of rare birds like Phylloscopus ricketti in Huzhou is a testament to the city's improved environment, said a local official.

According to surveys of bird resources in the counties of Anji, Changxing and Deqing, Huzhou is currently home to 256 species of water fowls.

A Prinia superciliaris is found in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]

An Aegithalos glaucogularis in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/hz66.com]