Xinjiang Birding

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located in Northwest China, stands as the largest provincial-level administrative area in the country, spanning an impressive 1.66 million square kilometers with borderlines measuring 5,600 kilometers. The region's expansive territory includes several major mountain ranges: the Altai Mountains to the north, the Kunlun and Altun Mountains to the south, and the Tianshan Mountains, which extend from west to east through central Xinjiang. Nestled between these mountain ranges are the vast Junggar and Tarim basins. The glaciers from these mountains provide the headwaters for most of Xinjiang's rivers. Situated far inland, Xinjiang experiences a typical arid temperate continental climate characterized by dry air, abundant sunshine, and an annual precipitation of only 150mm. This dry climate has transformed much of Xinjiang into desert landscape, accounting for two-thirds of China's total desert area. The majority of the region is sparsely populated, creating an ideal habitat for wildlife. Thanks to its expansive landmass, diverse topography, and varying climate conditions, Xinjiang boasts rich biodiversity, The region is home to around 430 recorded bird species, featuring a range of birds from Europe and Central Asia that are not commonly found in other parts of China. This itinerary provides a classic route through Xinjiang, showcasing its unique and endemic bird species. The enigmatic Xinjiang Ground Jay, previously known as Biddulph’s Ground Jay, continues to exist here, though its population is declining due to overgrazing and environmental changes. In the semi-desert regions, birdwatchers may also spot the Great Bustard and McQueen’s Bustard. The Taklamakan Desert's fringes reveal ruins of ancient civilizations. For those interested in the rich history of this region, Peter Hopkirk’s book "Foreign Devils on the Silk Road" provides an intriguing narrative of early 20th-century archaeological findings by foreign explorers in Xinjiang. Xinjiang hosts a diverse Palearctic avifauna, featuring many species that inhabit the eastern limits of their ranges. Colorful birds like the European Bee-eater and European Roller are prime examples. In the far west, the town of Yili houses the former Russian Consulate, now converted into a hotel set among mature trees. Birdwatchers in this area often find Turkestan Tits, while springtime brings the melodious songs of Nightingales and Eurasian Cuckoos. Heaven Lake, situated in the Tien Shan Mountains and about three hours northeast of Urumqi, is surrounded by pines that host Three-toed Woodpeckers, Blue-capped Redstarts, White-winged Redstarts, Black-throated Accentors, and Fire-fronted Serins. To the south of Urumqi, the oases around Turpan provide rich habitats for Azure Tits, Little Owls, and Barred Warblers. The Arjinshan National Nature Reserve, the largest in China, spans 46,000 square kilometers of steppe, desert, and lakes in southeastern Xinjiang. However, it remains remote and lacks developed visitor facilities. Historically, Xinjiang was the site of a significant ornithological discovery in 1929 when Dutch naturalist J.A. Sillem collected specimens of a mountain finch near the Karakoram Pass, initially thought to be an unusual race of the Plain Mountain Finch. In 1992, these specimens were re-evaluated and classified as a distinct species known as Sillem’s Mountain Finch, though live sightings of this bird have not occurred since. Recently, some local birders have reported a breeding population of the endangered White-headed Duck in reservoirs near Urumqi.