Rare Birds Caught on Camera

Golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal, were seen by photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Rongfang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China's Henan province, captured golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal.

The bird is also known as the "fire phoenix", due to its colorful feathers.

Local government said they have dedicated time and resources to bird protection and conservation since 2014.

There are now five places for bird-watching in the city's mountainous areas.

The number of golden pheasants in Sanmenxia has increased from dozens to over 3,000 during the past ten years, according to local government.

Golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal, were seen by photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Rongfang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal, were seen by photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Rongfang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal, were seen by photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Rongfang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Golden pheasants, a bird species listed as a second-level protected wild animal, were seen by photographers in a snowy field in Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Zhang Rongfang for chinadaily.com.cn]