Rare seabird rescued and released in New Taipei City

A rare oceanic bird, dubbed the "white sea spirit," has been successfully rescued and released back into the wild in New Taipei City. The bird, identified as a white-tailed tropicbird, was discovered by anglers on a rocky platform near Ruifang's Bat Cave, appearing weak and unresponsive.

Concerned for its safety, particularly from potential attacks by stray animals, the public immediately notified the city's Animal Protection and防疫 Office. Animal protection officers arrived at the scene and confirmed the bird's identity. It was then taken to an animal shelter for examination and care.

At the shelter, the white-tailed tropicbird was found to be underweight and lethargic, though it had no apparent fractures or external injuries. Officials suspect that recent rough seas, adverse weather conditions, or strong winds may have caused the bird to deviate from its migratory path, leading to exhaustion and its forced landing on land. It was provided with hydration, small fish, and shrimp to regain its strength.

The animal protection office highlighted that white-tailed tropicbirds are typically pelagic, rarely approaching land. Their appearance in urban areas often signifies a state of distress requiring immediate intervention. These birds, known for their elegant flight and long migrations, are usually found in tropical and subtropical waters and only return to islands to nest. Sightings on Taiwan's mainland are exceptionally rare.

Authorities advise the public that if they encounter injured or trapped wild birds, they should avoid disturbing them. Instead, they should take photos, note the location, and call the animal protection hotline to report the situation, rather than attempting to capture the animal themselves, which could cause further harm.

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If you find injured or trapped wild birds, you should avoid disturbing them. You can take photos and call 1959 or (02) 2959-6353 to report it. Do not try to capture them yourself, as this may cause further harm.