'Water ballet dancers' get ready for spring courtship
By Liu Mingtai in Changchun and Duan Jinxian |
chinadaily.com.cn |
Updated: 2026-04-14 20:49
Share
Share - WeChat
Podiceps cristatus is widely recognized as the "beauty ceiling" in the waterbird world, and is also known as the "water ballet dancer": its iconic black phoenix head is fluffy and stylish, and its reddish-brown neck decoration is like a delicate scarf. Its agile red eyes exude spiritual energy, and it comes with a "protagonist aura" as soon as it appears.
Every spring, they embark on a ritual-filled courtship show, from probing and showing affection to the "breast pounding ceremony" and "water running" during their passionate love. Every step is full of sweetness, making it the most anticipated romantic scene in the spring wetland.
