A flock of Dalmatian pelicans was spotted at Nanhai Wetlands on April 12.

The 4A scenic area in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region is home to many species of birds, but it is a rarity for such large pelicans to be spotted so far north.

Staff members at the Nanhai Wetland Bird Protection Center spied 10 of the birds, the most that has ever been seen in the area.

Dalmatian pelicans are the largest species of pelican and inhabit southeastern Europe to India and parts of China. They are listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The pelicans have sometimes been known to stop off in Baotou before heading further north to their breeding grounds in Mongolia, or migrating southwards and towards eastern China.

Inner Mongolia offers a temporary nest to migrating birds of all kinds at its 180-plus nature reserves and 49 national wetland parks.

The 1,664 hectare Nanhai Wetland Scenic Area was one of ancient China’s official waterways, carrying Wang Zhaojun, famous for her beauty, on her way to marry a Hun ruler during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220).

Today the wetlands serve at the center of the Hohhot-Baotou-Erdos tourism circle, and are home to more than 200 species of wild animals and plants.

Dalmatian pelicans, the largest species of pelican, are spotted at Nanhai Wetlands on April 12. The 1,664-hectare wetlands are home to more than 200 wild animals and plants. [Photo/Baotou Daily]