Best Time and Routes to See Migratory Birds in Inner Mongolia

Spring is the best time to see migratory birds in Inner Mongolia. The rivers, lakes, and swamps of Inner Mongolia and northern China become a paradise for birds. So, what are the migratory bird routes in Inner Mongolia?

Migration Routes

There are currently three migratory bird routes that pass through Inner Mongolia. The first route starts at Poyang Lake, passes through Beijing to Chifeng, and then splits into two routes. One route migrates to the northeast direction of Hulunbuir, while the other route passes through Tongliao and Manzhouli, eventually reaching the vicinity of Lake Baikal in Russia for breeding; the third route follows the Yellow River, with birds stopping in cities like Baotou and Bayannur, and then heading north to Mongolia.

Best Viewing Season:

Hulunbuir City, Xing’an League: Late April to early May

Chifeng City, Tongliao City: Mid to late April

Xilin Gol League, Ulanqab City: Late March to early April

Bayannur City: Mid to late March

Hohhot City, Baotou City, Ordos City: Mid to late April

Alxa League, Wuhai City: Late February to early March

Best Viewing Locations

In recent years, with increased protection efforts and improved ecological environment, the number of migratory birds flying to Inner Mongolia has increased. According to observations, geese and ducks make up the majority of the returning birds, including swans, wild ducks, gray geese, mandarin ducks, gray cranes, red-crowned cranes, egrets, ruddy shelducks, and more.

Gray Goose: Hulunbuir. Hulunbuir City has diverse ecosystems, vast wetlands, and is a good habitat for gray geese. Coupled with strong local protection measures, it has been awarded the title of “China’s Gray Goose Hometown” by the China Wildlife Conservation Association. According to monitoring statistics, the breeding population of gray geese in the region is around 3,000-4,000, making Hulunbuir an important habitat, breeding ground, and migration stopover for gray geese in China.

Swan: Chifeng City. Chifeng City is a key stopover and gathering point for migratory birds in China. Among them, the swan habitat area covers over 50,000 square kilometers, including the Mongolian Plateau grassland area centered on Dalai Lake in the west, the lake and wetland area centered on the Kuerqin Sandy Land in the east, and the three regions of the Xilamulun River and Laoha River basin, including reservoirs and paddy fields. Every year, over 100,000 swans come to inhabit these areas for over 120 days, making Chifeng City worthy of the title of “China’s Swan Hometown” by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

Mute Swan: Uliangsuhai Lake in Bayannur City. Bayannur City is the largest breeding ground for mute swans in China. From March to late May every year, mute swans enter their breeding season and prefer quiet places with little human disturbance and hidden shelters. The Uliangsuhai Wetland Waterfowl Nature Reserve provides a good habitat for mute swans and other migratory birds. In recent years, during the migration season, there have been 500-600 mute swans in Uliangsuhai Lake, leading to its recognition as “China’s Mute Swan Hometown” by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

Relict Gull: Ordos City. The Relict Gull Nature Reserve in Ordos City is located west of Dongsheng District, with the core area being the Taolimiaohai-Alashan Bay lakes. The nature reserve boasts numerous lakes and islands, and is covered by wetlands, sandy land, and grasslands, forming a typical desert and semi-desert wetland ecosystem. The climate and geographical conditions are highly suitable for the life of relict gulls. The number of relict gulls inhabiting Ordos exceeds 7,000, accounting for over 60% of the world’s total population, making it the largest known relict gull population to date.

Great Bustard: Zhalantun Banner in Xing’an League. The Tumujigou Nature Reserve in Xing’an League has vast grasslands, extensive lakes, and marshlands, along with salt marshes and meadows, providing a prime habitat for various bird species. Additionally, the Tumujigou Nature Reserve is the only reserve in China that focuses on protecting great bustards, holding significant importance for global biodiversity.

Red-crowned Crane: Yakeshi City. Red-crowned cranes typically inhabit wetlands with reeds and other barren grasses, demonstrating a strong dependence on a good wetland ecological environment. The Balin Yarlu River National Wetland Park, located on the southeastern slope of the mid-section of the Greater Khingan Mountains and the upper reaches of the Yarlu River, comprises the Yarlu River mainstream, its major tributaries, and surrounding wetlands and forests, boasting a wetland coverage rate of 93.75%, making it a crucial red-crowned crane conservation area in China.

Black-headed Gull, Gray Crane, Wild Goose: Juyan Sea in Alxa League. In recent years, the Juyan Sea wetland in Ejin Banner has received effective protection, leading to gradual ecological improvement. The vast waters and abundant food sources provide a good living environment for various wild birds and waterfowl. Notably, the gull and geese and duck groups are currently the largest in the migratory bird flocks, with a total population exceeding 30,000.

Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Egret: Xilin Gol League. The boundless grasslands, numerous lakes and rivers, and extensive primeval and secondary forests in Xilin Gol provide a safe haven for a large number of waterbirds, making it an optimal habitat for many migratory birds. There are over 300 bird species distributed in Xilin Gol, among which ruddy shelducks, mallards, egrets, swans, gray sparrows, silver gulls, and gray geese are the most abundant.