Over 100 critically-endangered yellow-breasted buntings spotted in Mengjin, Henan

Over 100 critically-endangered yellow-breasted buntings spotted in Mengjin, Henan

100余只黄胸鹀现身孟津黄河湿地，系世界“极危”物种

In early summer's embrace, greenery thrives; while migratory birds, on southward flights, strive. On May 14, in the core area of the Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve in Mengjin district of Central China's Henan province, over 100 yellow-breasted buntings were spotted, which are known as the world's critically endangered species and are under first-class national protection in China.

“孟夏草木长，候鸟迁飞忙。”5月14日，科研监测人员在孟津黄河湿地保护区核心区惊喜地监测到了100余只世界“极危”物种、国家一级保护鸟类黄胸鹀。

Yellow-breasted bunting, or Emberiza aureola, is categorized as the family Emberizidae in the order Passeriformes. It is a small-sized passerine bird with a melodious and pleasant call. Its upper body is chestnut-colored with black longitudinal stripes, while its lower body is bright yellow, making it highly attractive for birdwatching.

黄胸鹀属雀形目鹀科鸟类，别称“禾花雀”，属小型鸣禽，叫声悦耳动听，上体栗色具黑色纵纹，下体鲜黄色，极具观赏性。

Yellow-breasted bunting is a migratory bird travelling through the Mengjin Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve. It is the excellent ecological environment and abundant food sources that make them choose to land here. After a short rest, they will continue their journey northward.

黄胸鹀在孟津黄河湿地保护区属于过境鸟。它们之所以选择降落在这里，是因为黄河湿地良好的生态环境、充足的食物来源引得这些珍稀鸟类在此栖息停留，之后它们会继续向北迁徙。

In recent years, with the improvement of the ecological environment of the Mengjin Yellow River Wetland National Nature Reserve, yellow-breasted bunting has become a "regular visitor" here. During the migratory season each year, around 100 can be found. Researchers once observed a record number of 236 yellow-breasted buntings, which is also rare even across China.

大河网记者了解到，近年来，随着孟津黄河湿地生态环境持续向好，黄胸鹀已成为这里的“常客”，每年候鸟迁徙季都能见到百只左右。其中最多的一次，科研人员监测到了236只，这在国内也是十分罕见的。（中文来源/大河网 记者/刘瑞朝 翻译/杨佳欣 实习生/邱昌琪 审校/陈行洁 赵汉青）