Chinese crested tern chick hatches in Xiangshan

A Chinese crested tern chick hatches at the Jiaoshan Islands National Nature Reserve in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on June 2. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

A Chinese crested tern chick broke free from its shell at the Jiaoshan Islands National Nature Reserve in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on June 2.

The newborn chick emerged adorned in a soft coat of light gray down, speckled with brown embellishments that adorned its feathers. Nestled under the protective wings of its mother, the chick curiously peered out, occasionally fluttering its wings and emitting sweet, melodic chirps.

"Chinese crested terns follow a unique reproductive pattern, laying just one egg per year with an extended incubation period lasting between 25 to 30 days. During this vulnerable phase, they face threats from predators such as snakes, peregrine falcons, and silver gulls," elucidated a spokesperson from the Xiangshan Natural Resources and Planning Bureau. The challenges of breeding and the precarious survival rates of the chicks are key factors contributing to the decline in the avian species' population.

The Chinese crested tern is characterized by its scarce numbers and elusive nature, earning it a spot as one of the world's rarest migratory birds. Classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, every successful hatching is a significant milestone for conservation efforts.

In recent years, Xiangshan has implemented a series of measures, including artificial attraction and population restoration initiatives, to bolster the breeding success of the Chinese crested terns at the Jiaoshan Islands National Nature Reserve. These efforts have yielded promising results, with a record-breaking count of 109 Chinese crested terns currently under observation, including 47 nests in the midst of the incubation process.