On June 19th, staff at the Sichuan Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve documented breeding nests of the Great Bittern located approximately 200 meters apart, marking the discovery of two nests in a single instance.

One nest contained one adult bird, two chicks, and two eggs, while the other held one adult and one chick.

According to reserve personnel, this is the first confirmed instance of this rare bird species breeding locally since the reserve's establishment.

The Great Bittern is a large wading bird, measuring 59 to 77 centimeters in length, with yellowish-brown plumage featuring dark brown markings, and is adept at using its camouflage to hide among reeds.

Its breeding season typically spans from May to July, with each clutch consisting of 4 to 6 eggs, incubated by both the male and female.

The presence of unhatched eggs in the discovered nests indicates that breeding activities are currently underway.

This species is listed in China's Directory of Terrestrial Wildlife with Significant Ecological, Scientific, or Social Value.

Its previously known breeding areas were primarily in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, northeastern China, and Hebei, with populations north of the Yangtze River being summer visitors and some south of it being winter visitors.

The discovery in the Ruoergai Wetland significantly extends the southern boundary of its known breeding distribution, providing valuable empirical data for studying the species' breeding ecology and habitat selection within plateau wetland ecosystems.

In recent years, the Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve has consistently enhanced ecological restoration and biodiversity monitoring.

The concentrated appearance of these breeding nests not only confirms the ongoing improvement of the reserve's ecological environment but also adds an important scientific footnote to regional bird conservation efforts.

The reserve has now implemented enhanced specialized patrols around the two nest sites to ensure safety during the breeding period.