Dongqian Lake emerges as breeding ground for rare birds

 A water pheasant takes care of a newly-hatched chick and eggs. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Despite the scorching summer temperatures, bird enthusiasts from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, have been flocking to Dongqian Lake to catch a glimpse of a rare bird and its adorable chicks.

The bird in question is a water pheasant, affectionately referred to as the "water phoenix". It is a nationally second-level protected species in China.

In early July, a water pheasant laid four eggs among the aquatic plants floating on the surface of Dongqian Lake. After an incubation period of more than 20 days, four chicks were brought into the world in early August. Currently, these fledglings are being tenderly nurtured by their "bird dad" as they steadily grow.

For several years in a row now, water pheasants have chosen Dongqian Lake as their breeding ground during the summer season. These avian marvels are summer migratory birds in East China, embarking on their journey from the south as spring draws to a close in pursuit of ideal nesting sites. They exhibit a refined preference for their habitat, gravitating towards freshwater domains adorned with expansive stretches of aquatic vegetation such as water chestnuts and water caltrops. They are noteworthy for their distinctive breeding behavior, characterized by a polyandrous mating system where a single female forms bonds with multiple males.