A verditer flycatcher is seen perched on a tree in Nantong. [Photo provided by Wu Weiming to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Several photographers recently captured images of a small bird with a copper-blue body - the verditer flycatcher - in Nantong, Jiangsu province, marking the third time the bird has been sighted in the city following sightings in 2021 and 2022.

Wu Weimin, secretary-general of the Nantong Bird Photography Association, said that birdwatchers had spotted the verditer flycatcher in January. "Based on our observations, the verditer flycatcher is mainly seen perched on tree branches, watching insects."

A verditer flycatcher takes flight in Nantong. [Photo provided by Wu Weiming to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The male verditer flycatcher is a bright copper-blue color, with white tips on its undertail coverts. The female and male birds are generally similar in appearance, but the female lacks the vibrant plumage of the male, with a gray-blue underside and a nearly white chin. The birds are commonly found in southern regions of China and pass through Nantong during their migrations in spring and autumn.

At the end of 2021, photographers in the city spotted a verditer flycatcher in the Haohe River Scenic Area, where it remained active until spring 2022. That same year, photographers once again discovered a verditer flycatcher in Wenfeng Park. However, this particular bird was active for a short period and disappeared without a trace two days later.

"After a gap of three years, we're excited to rediscover the verditer flycatcher in Nantong," Wu stated, indicating that the improving natural environment in Nantong contributes to such sightings.