The lesser white-fronted goose, a national second-class protected wild animal, has recently been spotted in the wetlands along the Changshu section of the Yangtze River. This marks the first recorded sighting of the species in Changshu’s bird observation history, bringing the total number of wild bird species recorded in the city to 343.
Known as a rare and tricky-to-identify visitor among migratory birds, the lesser white-fronted goose closely resembles the white-fronted goose, making field identification challenging. Slightly smaller in size, it features a larger white forehead patch extending between its eyes and a distinctive golden ring around each eye that looks like eyeshadow. As a globally rare migratory bird with a small population and a high level of protection, the lesser white-fronted goose is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The arrival of this feathered wanderer to rest at the Changshu section of the Yangtze River serves as vivid evidence of the improving wetland ecology here.
As one of China’s first International Wetland Cities, Changshu is endowed with abundant wetland resources. Its Yangtze riverfront features extensive mudflats, lush aquatic plants and clean water, offering excellent conditions for birds to forage, rest and take shelter. It is a welcoming stopover and wintering habitat along the East Asian migratory bird flyway.
As the wetland environment continues to improve, Changshu has become a favored haven for migratory birds. To date, the city has recorded a total of 343 bird species, including 10 national first-class protected birds and 62 national second-class protected birds. A growing number of rare birds stop by, setting new species records time and again, which reflects the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in Changshu.
