Shennongjia Adds Another Bird Species to Hubei’s Avian Family

On the morning of September 4, 2025, a birdwatcher with the Xiaohongshu username “冰鹡鸰birder” recorded two rosefinches in the Jinhouling area of Shennongjia National Park. Experts later identified them as Blanford's Rosefinches (Carpodacus rubescens). The name sounded familiar, so I searched through my archived folder of important bird records and found a related photo. Finally, the time has come to confirm its identity.

On September 12, 2022, Yang Kaihua, a local birdwatcher, observed a rosefinch near the Watchtower at Shennongding that appeared different from the common rosefinch typically seen in Shennongjia. He shared the photos with me for discussion that evening. This particular rosefinch lacked the vibrant red plumage of a male Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus), and its bill was more slender and less blunt than that of the Common Rosefinch. At the time, Shennongjia’s official bird inventory included only three species of rosefinches: the Vinaceous Rosefinch (Carpodacus vinaceus), the Common Rosefinch, and the Dark-breasted Rosefinch (Carpodacus nipalensis). After comparison, we thought it more closely resembled a Blanford's Rosefinch. However, due to limited photo angles and insufficient supporting materials, we cautiously decided not to add it to Shennongjia’s official bird list at that time.

It was not until early September this year, with the confirmation of the new Blanford's Rosefinch sighting, that we revisited and meticulously compared the 2022 photographic records. Upon careful comparison, we confirmed that the photographed bird was indeed a male Blanford's Rosefinch, making it the earliest known record of this species in both Shennongjia and Hubei Province.

This recent sighting, supported by photos of both male and female individuals, further solidifies the presence of the Blanford's Rosefinch in Shennongjia.

By September, Shennongjia has entered the bird migration season. Birds that have been quiet for some time are gradually becoming active again, and more migratory species are passing through the area. How many surprises and unexpected discoveries await among them?

The Blanford's Rosefinch prefer habitats such as coniferous forests and shrublands at mid-to-high altitudes and exhibit vertical migration behavior. Both recorded sightings in Shennongjia occurred in September. Where the species might be active during other seasons remains unknown. However, given Shennongjia’s rich biodiversity, increasingly improved ecological protection mechanisms, and growing public awareness of conservation, we have reason to believe that more bird species will join Shennongjia’s avian family in the future.（By Ma Guofei）