Gorsachius magnificus appears in Fangchenggang

The Gorsachius magnificus found at the Naban Reservoir in Shangsi county, Fangchenggang [Photo by Mo Jinmei/fcgsnews.com]

Shangsi county's forestry bureau came across a strange bird on March 12.

The bird was found by locals at the Naban Reservoir in Shangsi county, Fangchenggang, Guangxi. It has large round eyes and a long neck. Several thick long black feathers stood on the bird's head, resembling "hair", according to the locals.

After being authenticated by Que Tengcheng, an expert worked at the wild fauna and flora protection office of the Guangxi Forestry Department, the bird was affirmed to be a Gorsachius magnificus.

The bird is a national secondary protection animal and one of 30 kinds of the most endangered birds in the world.

According to Liu Bozhang, a station agent of the wild fauna and flora protection office of the Guangxi Forestry Department, Gorsachius magnificus always lives in groups of three to five.

Gorsachius magnificus is a nocturnal creature, which hides in the daytime and comes out at night. It is very rigorous about the living environment and food. It only eats fresh fishes and shrimps. The appearance demonstrates that the ecological environment of Naban Reservoir is in a good condition.

After the further decision made by the Guangxi Forestry Department, Shangsi county's forestry bureau will act according to the decision as to whether to send the bird for treatment or release it back into the habitat of the Naban Reservoir.

By Feng Lu and edited by Jake Hooson