Endangered Chinese mergansers return to Yichang for winter
2026-11-07 18:11:15
By Ma Yuanchen
Four endangered scaly-sided mergansers, also widely known as Chinese mergansers, were spotted at Qing River National Wetland Park on November 5. This marks the fourth consecutive year the species has chosen the park as its wintering habitat and the first group recorded there this migration season. The four birds were seen swimming together, gliding calmly across the water before diving to catch fish and shrimp.
The scaly-sided merganser is a first-class protected wild animal in China, often nicknamed the “giant panda of waterfowl.” The bird has strict habitat requirements, only staying in unpolluted waters with abundant fish and limited human disturbance. For this reason, conservationists regard it as a reliable biological indicator, serving as a natural “water quality monitor” that reflects the health of river ecosystems.
Based on years of observations of the mergansers' wintering patterns, park managers have carried out targeted ecological restoration at sites the birds have visited. Eight observation watchtowers and more than 600 meters of dedicated bird-watching boardwalks have been constructed. Their design balances public access with wildlife protection, allowing visitors to appreciate local biodiversity while keeping human activity at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the sensitive winter visitors.
The arrival of the four birds marks the start of this year’s wintering season for the species at Qing River. The wetland’s clear, steady waters, abundant aquatic food sources, and quiet, well-protected river corridor have created a dependable winter refuge. Their return for four consecutive years reflects the improving ecological conditions of the Qing River Wetland Park, showing how targeted wetland management can draw flagship migratory species back year after year.
Four endangered scaly-sided mergansers, also widely known as Chinese mergansers, were spotted at Qing River National Wetland Park on November 5. This marks the fourth consecutive year the species has chosen the park as its wintering habitat and the first group recorded there this migration season. The four birds were seen swimming together, gliding calmly across the water before diving to catch fish and shrimp.
The scaly-sided merganser is a first-class protected wild animal in China, often nicknamed the “giant panda of waterfowl.” The bird has strict habitat requirements, only staying in unpolluted waters with abundant fish and limited human disturbance. For this reason, conservationists regard it as a reliable biological indicator, serving as a natural “water quality monitor” that reflects the health of river ecosystems.
Based on years of observations of the mergansers' wintering patterns, park managers have carried out targeted ecological restoration at sites the birds have visited. Eight observation watchtowers and more than 600 meters of dedicated bird-watching boardwalks have been constructed. Their design balances public access with wildlife protection, allowing visitors to appreciate local biodiversity while keeping human activity at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the sensitive winter visitors.
The arrival of the four birds marks the start of this year’s wintering season for the species at Qing River. The wetland’s clear, steady waters, abundant aquatic food sources, and quiet, well-protected river corridor have created a dependable winter refuge. Their return for four consecutive years reflects the improving ecological conditions of the Qing River Wetland Park, showing how targeted wetland management can draw flagship migratory species back year after year.
Photo by Lin Jiwei
Scaly-sided mergansers swim in the waters of Qing River National Wetland Park.
