Each year, a remarkable visitor graces the wetlands of Yancheng City in east China’s Jiangsu Province—the spoon-billed sandpiper, affectionately known as the “little spoon” due to its unique spoon-shaped beak.
A Tiny Bird with a Big Journey
Measuring just 14 to 16 centimeters in length, the spoon-billed sandpiper is a small bird with a significant presence. Its plumage transforms dramatically with the seasons. In summer, it dons dark feathers with shades of black and brownish-red, while winter brings a more muted blend of grayish-brown and white. Despite these changes, the sandpiper is easily recognized by its characteristic feeding habit—sweeping its beak side to side in water or mud to gather food.
On the Brink of Extinction
Sadly, this captivating bird is critically endangered, with a global population of fewer than 1,000. During breeding season, spoon-billed sandpipers inhabit the tundra marshes, grasslands, and lakes along the Arctic shore. When not breeding, they migrate to the shallows and mudflats of coastal and estuarine areas.
The Vital Stopover in Yancheng Wetlands
From July to August each year, these birds undertake a long migration to the Yellow Sea coastal wetland in Yancheng City. This area serves as a crucial stopover point on the East Asia-Australasia Flyway, a migratory route renowned for its high concentration of endangered bird species.
The wetlands act as an essential “rest stop” and “refueling station” for the spoon-billed sandpipers during their arduous journey. They spend two to three months here, molting and gaining the necessary weight to continue their migration to southern wintering grounds.
Conservation Efforts and Hope
The presence of the spoon-billed sandpiper in Yancheng highlights the importance of wetland conservation in the region. Protecting these critical habitats not only supports the survival of this endangered species but also maintains the ecological balance crucial for numerous migratory birds along the flyway.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
