Kunming Red-billed Gulls

Kunming Red-billed Gulls

　　In mid-November 2005, the "Hometown of Birds in China" was officially announced in Yunnan, and Kunming was named the "Hometown of Red-billed Gulls in China."

　　　　Since autumn 1985, tens of thousands of red-billed gulls have come to the city every winter to forage and roost in places such as Cuihu Park and the Panlong River, forming a unique scenic sight in Kunming. The red-billed gull is the most common type of gull seen in southern China during the winter. In cities such as Kunming and Qingdao, they often enter urban parks, water bodies, and river areas to feed, where they are protected and fed by locals. Wang Zijiang, chairman of the Kunming Bird Association, explained that among the 12 designated "Hometowns of Birds," Kunming is the only one known as the Hometown of Red-billed Gulls. Moreover, as a provincial capital city, Kunming stands out for its large overwintering population of red-billed gulls, effective conservation and research efforts, the significant social impact of its “Seagull Brand,” and the long-standing harmony between humans and gulls.

　　　　Yang Wen, Vice Mayor of Kunming, said that Kunming is currently the only city in China where red-billed gulls regularly, long-term, and in large numbers make their home. Over the past 20 years, the Kunming municipal government has formulated and implemented policies to protect red-billed gulls, allocated special funds to support gull conservation efforts, and organized citizens to participate in activities to love and protect the gulls, including designated feeding. The gulls that arrive in Kunming consist of several species, among which red-billed gulls account for over 95%. With the largest population, the title of "Hometown of Red-billed Gulls" highlights the significant numbers of this species in Kunming. Other "Hometowns of Birds" are all at the county or district level. Among China’s designated "Hometowns of Birds," Kunming is truly unique. These 12 “Hometowns of Birds in China” were awarded by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.