About 11 Chinese crested terns have been spotted in Nantong recently, with two of them observed in the Dongling Haizhetang wetland of Rudong, Jiangsu province, according to the Nantong environmental monitoring center.

This marks the fourth year in a row that Chinese crested terns have been observed in Nantong, with this year having the highest recorded number of sightings.

With a global population of only around 200, the Chinese crested tern is a first-class nationally protected endangered species and is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

In August 2016, the Chinese crested tern was first discovered in the Dongling wetland of Rudong, marking the first recorded sighting in the province. Since September 2020, the birds have been visiting the Dongling coast from July to September each year, and their numbers appear to be increasing.

Wildlife enthusiasts from the Nantong bird association believe that Chinese crested terns choose Dongling wetland as their habitat is primarily due to abundant food and minimal human disturbance in the coastal wetlands.

The Dongling coastal wetland and Tongzhou Bay in Nantong currently provide feeding and nesting habitats for thousands of migratory birds. Over 80 species of bird have been recorded this year. Among them are seven first-class nationally protected wild bird species.

A Chinese crested tern is spotted in Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]