World Migratory Bird Day falls on the second Saturday of May and October annually.
2026 Theme: Every Bird Matters – Your Observation Counts
Each bird is vital to the ecosystem. Citizen birdwatching records fuel scientific research. Your observations help protect migratory birds.
In Yancheng, the Wetland Capital on the Yellow Sea, we share the mountains-and-seas journey with millions of migratory birds.
World Migratory Bird Day: Speak for Migratory Lives
A UN-led global initiative, it raises awareness of migratory birds, habitat protection and international cooperation, securing safe cross-border migration.
Spotted Greenshank
Migratory birds are ecosystem messengers and Earth’s health barometers. Their wings connect global habitats, sustaining natural balance.
Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetland: World Natural Heritage & Migratory Bird Haven
China’s Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat (Phase I) is the world’s first heritage site for migratory bird conservation. A key hub on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, it hosts millions of birds to rest, breed and overwinter yearly.
Red-crowned Crane
As of February 2026, Yancheng records 467 wild bird species (31.03% of China’s total):
• 112 national protected species (30 Class I, 82 Class II)
• 40 IUCN threatened species (6 Critically Endangered, 10 Endangered, 24 Vulnerable)
Eurasian Spoonbill & Black-faced Spoonbill
A true life station and bird paradise for millions of long-distance migrants.
Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Yancheng’s Actions for Migratory Birds
1. Legal Protection
The 2019 Yancheng Yellow Sea Wetland Protection Regulation established a three-tier management system, demarcated 2.79 million mu of ecological red lines, and enforces "polluter pays" restoration rules.
2. Ecological Restoration
Projects include coastline improvement, shelterbelt construction and invasive species control. Nature-based Solutions restored iconic sites like Tiaozini "720" Roosting Area, earning global biodiversity recognition.
3. Monitoring & Rescue
Year-round bird monitoring and patrols, plus rescue stations, safeguard birds throughout migration.
4. Nature Education
The Yellow Sea Wetland Museum leads heritage education, engaging the public via Bird-Loving Week and community programs.
5. Global Collaboration
Partnering with 20+ countries, Yancheng hosts the World Coastal Forum to protect flyways jointly.
We Are All Migratory Bird Guardians
Every bird is irreplaceable. Every observation counts.
Let love be our wings. Protect wetlands, safeguard migration, enable birds and wetlands to coexist, and let nature and cities thrive together.