"Bird Panda" black storks spotted in Toutun River, NW China's Xinjiang

Black storks, a wild species under first-class state protection in China, have recently been observed in the upper reaches of the Toutun River near Liuhuanggou Town, Changji City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Continuous monitoring by the Forestry and Grassland Bureau of Changji City indicates that around 60 black storks now inhabit this area, offering strong proof of the ongoing ecological recovery of the Toutun River basin.

Toutun River basin is lush with greenery in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Liu Hua)

In the early morning, the Toutun River looked fresh and clear, its water flowing gently. Black storks could be seen in pairs and small groups along the riverbank, foraging for food. Some took delicate steps as they fished in the current; others stood quietly on sandbars soaking up the sun; and still others spread their wings and took flight. These elegant birds shared the scene with grazing sheep in the valley, creating a vivid picture of harmony between nature and human activity.

Black storks stand in the water in the upper reaches of the Toutun River at Liuhuanggou Town, in Changji City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Yang Yong)

"We live right alongside the Toutun River. When I am out herding, I frequently encounter black storks. They are lovely, and they often feed and drink along the river. We take care to protect them and ensure their safety," said Baideha, a herder from Louzhuangzi Village, Liuhuanggou Town, Changji City.

Two black storks walk and forage in the water in the upper reaches of the Toutun River at Liuhuanggou Town in Changji City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on August 19, 2026. (Photo by Yang Yong)

The black stork, also known as Ciconia nigra, has a dark brown head, neck, and upper body with a greenish-purple metallic gloss, a white chest and belly, and a bright red beak and legs. It has a graceful appearance. Black storks typically inhabit large lakes, marshes, and river areas, nests on cliffs or tall trees, and feeds on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects. As a first-class state protected species, it is often called the "giant panda among birds" and serves as a key indicator of wetland ecological health.

The Toutun River spans 144 kilometers, with an average annual runoff of 226 million cubic meters and a drainage basin of 2,553 square kilometers. In recent years, local authorities have advanced ecological restoration through measures including fenced grazing bans, comprehensive river management, and the restocking of native fish species. These efforts have markedly improved the region's environmental conditions.

"We have been optimizing the ecological environment of the Toutun River basin through regular patrols, fencing, and aquatic stock enhancement. Long-term monitoring data show that black storks reside and feed here throughout the year, with counts ranging from over ten to a peak of 50 to 60 individuals. Going forward, we will intensify wildlife monitoring and habitat conservation, fully protect the basin's ecological resources, and provide a safe and favorable environment for the breeding and habitation of various wildlife species," said Ye Juan, head of the Wildlife Protection Section at the Forestry and Grassland Bureau of Changji City.

(The Media Convergence Center of Changji City, Correspondents: Cheng Shilin, Liu Hua and Yang Yong)