Beijing's Bird Species List Grows: Red-Breasted Goose Spotted for First Time at Yanqing's Yeya Lake Wetlands

english.beijing.gov.cn
2025-12-05

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Recently, three red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis), a national second-class protected wildlife species in China, were spotted at the  Yeya Lake Wetlands of Yanqing. This is the first recorded sighting of the species in Beijing, which has now been added to the city's bird species list.

The red-breasted goose is a typical cold-water marine bird species, which can live in extremely cold climates, often inhabiting bays, estuaries, and similar areas. These birds are considered rare vagrants in China. The small flock spotted in Beijing this time provides valuable empirical data for studying changes in bird migratory routes and the impact of climate change on migratory behavior.

Yeya Lake Wetlands offer a crucial stopover and habitat for migratory birds in northern China and are currently the only site in Beijing listed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The wetlands' vast mudflats, rich vegetation, and well-preserved ecological environment provide a vital habitat for many rare and endangered bird species.

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Yanqing District Ecology and Environment Bureau)