Crested Ibis

Crested Ibis

　　The crested ibis is a rare and precious bird. Since the mid-20th century, due to the impact of human production activities on the environment, it has struggled to adapt to the changing conditions, resulting in a sharp decline in its population. Known for its gentle nature, the crested ibis is regarded as a symbol of good fortune in Chinese folklore and is referred to as the "bird of auspiciousness." It has a long beak, a crest, and reddish cheeks, with feathers that are primarily white tinged with red. Long, drooping willow-leaf-shaped feathers adorn its neck. The bird is approximately 80 centimeters in length. It typically perches in tall trees but flies to rice paddies, marshlands, and mountain streams to forage, feeding on insects such as locusts, as well as frogs, small fish, snails, and loaches.