High up in the serene Changbai Mountains of northeast China, a remarkable event unfolds each spring. Chinese merganser ducklings hatch and prepare to embark on their first daring leap from the safety of their nests.
Captured on camera, fluffy ducklings can be seen following their mother as she gracefully jumps from the trees, free-falling to the lush grass below. This instinctual leap is a critical survival move, especially after only about 24 hours of life.
Mother ducks make the courageous decision to leave the nests swiftly, as the ducklings' quacking can reveal their location to predators. Once on the ground, the mother leads her young to a nearby river, teaching them valuable skills for foraging and evading threats.
The Chinese merganser is a migratory species, breeding in northern regions and wintering in the south across China, Russia, and the Korean Peninsula. Recognized for their elegant appearance and remarkable endurance, these birds are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list and are under top-class state protection in China.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the Chinese merganser, ensuring that future generations can witness these enchanting birds taking their first leap towards independence.
Reference(s):
One, two, three … Chinese merganser ducklings free-fall from tree
cgtn.com
