'Citizen scientists' map China's avian landscape

'Sandcastle' data

At the meeting, Que explained that the impetus for the survey stemmed from a straightforward yet challenging question frequently posed to Chinese ornithologists:"Are wild bird populations increasing or decreasing?"

"To be honest, I can't answer that,"Que said.

He highlighted the plight of certain species, such as the rufous-headed robin and the streaked reed warbler, which have become exceedingly rare, with few sightings in recent years. A century ago, a birdwatcher from the United States documented over 100 bird species in Chengdu, noting that certain species, such as the collared crow, were once common. "Today, the bird in Chengdu is a rarity," Que said. "This underscores the need for comprehensive, long-term monitoring rather than simplistic answers."

Que said that the US initiated its breeding bird surveys 60 years ago."Although we are starting later, we might only need 10 to 20 years to effectively address this question,"Que said. "This endeavor is akin to building a sandcastle, where small, consistent contributions gradually create a robust monitoring network."

The project comes at a pivotal time for China's environmental governance. As the nation moves toward the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), biodiversity indicators are becoming as essential as economic data. In a video message to the meeting, Professor Zhang Zhengwang from Beijing Normal University highlighted that traditional surveys were typically conducted in specific reserves, lacking a national scope.

"I am thrilled to see this project finally launched," said Zhang, a leading figure in Chinese ornithology. "I believe this initiative will unveil the true status of breeding birds across the country. This task cannot be accomplished by scientists alone; it requires the involvement of 'citizen scientists'."

The three-year project (2025–27) is currently funded by the Zhilan Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to biodiversity conservation. With a grant of 1 million yuan ($145,000), it stands as the foundation's largest project to date. Despite additional funding from the panda base and Sun Yat-sen University, resources remain tight for a truly nationwide survey. Consequently, the project launched in only six pilot cities in 2025: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.