When the Beach Meets the Mythic Bird! Chinese Crested Terns Grace Rizhao’s Shores

Recently, Chinese Crested Terns have been spotted at Liu Jiawan Beach‑combing Park in Rizhao. With a global population of merely over 200 individuals, the species is rarer than giant pandas, earning it the reputation as “the Mythic Bird”. As a Class‑I national key protected wild animal in China, it is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
　　The Chinese Crested Tern has distinctive features. It has an orange‑yellow bill with a black tip. Its forehead is black during the breeding season and white in winter, and its feet are dark brownish‑black. Formerly known as the Chinese Lesser Crested Tern, it was renamed the Chinese Crested Tern because its main breeding grounds are located in China.
　　The Chinese Crested Tern has stringent habitat requirements. It only stays at coastal tidal flats with sound ecosystems and abundant food. Rizhao’s ability to attract these birds year after year serves as the best evidence of improving local ecological conditions.
　　On the beach, they stroll along the shore, spread their wings against the wind, and call to one another in pairs. Their leisurely, carefree demeanor is utterly charming!