A rare bird known as the “Blue Fairy of the Bird World” and “Mountain Sapphire,” the Verditer Flycatcher, has been spotted for the first time in the mountain forests of Miyun, Beijing, marking a new record for wild bird species in the area.
A rare Verditer Flycatcher appears for the first time in Miyun.
The Verditer Flycatcher is a small bird from the flycatcher family, measuring 13 to 16 centimeters in length. It is small, light, and graceful. Adult males have unique copper-blue feathers with a fine metallic sheen, shining like polished sapphires in sunlight. Their distinctive black “mask” around the eyes adds a playful and lively look. Females have slightly more subdued colors, with blue-green wings that are elegant and beautiful, making them highly recognizable.
The Verditer Flycatcher mainly lives in mountain forests in southern and southwestern China, preferring open forest edges and shrubby areas near streams. Its appearance in Miyun enriches the region’s biodiversity and highlights Miyun’s ecological advantage as a key stop on the East Asian-Australasian flyway for migratory birds.
As one of the most bird-diverse areas in Beijing, Miyun District has excellent natural conditions, providing ideal habitats for various wild birds. To date, 430 species of wild birds have been recorded in the district, including 22 species under national first-class protection, 75 under national second-class protection, and 100 under Beijing municipal protection.
In recent years, Miyun District has continuously promoted measures such as mountain forest vegetation restoration, wetland ecological conservation, and protection of wildlife habitats. The first appearance of the Verditer Flycatcher is a vivid example of the success of these ecological protection efforts. Next, Miyun will more precisely identify important bird habitats, carry out targeted protection work, and continue to enhance its ecological foundation, making Miyun a paradise for birds and a model for biodiversity conservation.
Miyun
Miyun is a district located in the northeastern outskirts of Beijing, China, known for its reservoirs, mountains, and historical sites. Historically, it served as a strategic military stronghold during the Ming Dynasty, with the Gubeikou Great Wall section and other fortifications built to protect the capital from northern invasions. Today, Miyun is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, offering attractions like the Miyun Reservoir and ancient villages.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the imperial capital for much of the last millennium, notably during the Ming and Qing dynasties, which left iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Today, Beijing is a vibrant global metropolis that blends its rich cultural heritage with modern development.
East Asian-Australasian flyway
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is a major migratory route for over 50 million waterbirds, stretching from the Arctic in Russia and Alaska down through East and Southeast Asia to Australia and New Zealand. Its history is tied to ancient bird migration patterns, but it has gained modern significance due to the critical role of its intertidal wetlands, such as the Yellow Sea region, which are vital stopover sites for birds to rest and feed. Conservation efforts have increased since the late 20th century as habitat loss and development have threatened these essential ecosystems.
Miyun
Miyun is a district located in
Miyun
Miyun is a district located in the northeastern outskirts of Beijing, China, known for its scenic reservoirs and mountainous landscapes. Historically, it served as a strategic military outpost during the Ming Dynasty, with the famous Simatai section of the Great Wall running through its territory. Today, Miyun is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a historic city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as the nation’s political and cultural center for centuries. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square, reflecting its imperial past and modern significance. Today, Beijing blends ancient traditions with rapid modernization, hosting major events like the 2008 Summer Olympics.
East Asian-Australasian flyway
The East Asian-Australasian Flyway is one of the world’s major migratory bird routes, stretching from the Arctic regions of Russia and Alaska through East and Southeast Asia, down to Australia and New Zealand. It has been used for millennia by millions of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other species, and its crucial stopover sites—such as the Yellow Sea wetlands—have faced significant threats from habitat loss and development in recent decades. Conservation efforts, including international agreements and protected area designations, aim to preserve this vital corridor for migratory birds.
Miyun Reservoir
Miyun Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in Miyun District, northeast of Beijing, China. Constructed between 1958 and 1960 as part of a massive national effort to address water shortages, it serves as the primary source of drinking water for the capital. The reservoir’s creation involved the relocation of numerous villages and significant environmental changes, and it remains a vital and protected water resource today.
Gubeikou Great Wall
The Gubeikou Great Wall, located in Beijing’s Miyun District, is a historically significant section of the Great Wall of China that served as a crucial military fortress and strategic pass. Its construction began in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–577) and was extensively rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) to defend against northern invasions. Known for its rugged terrain and well-preserved watchtowers, Gubeikou witnessed numerous battles and remains a less-crowded, authentic site for exploring ancient Chinese military architecture.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, China, served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Construction began in 1406 under Emperor Yongle, and it was the political and ceremonial center of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the Palace Museum, showcasing centuries of Chinese art and history.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a complex of imperial religious buildings constructed in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would visit it annually for ceremonies to pray to Heaven for a good harvest. It is renowned for its architectural precision and symbolism, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is a marginal sea located between China and the Korean Peninsula, named for the yellowish color of its waters caused by silt from the Yellow River. Historically, it has been a crucial maritime route for trade and cultural exchange between China, Korea, and Japan, and it was the site of significant naval conflicts, including the Battle of the Yellow Sea during the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894. Today, it remains an important economic and ecological zone, supporting fisheries and shipping routes.
