"Endangered Black-faced Spoonbill Found Breeding in Suncheon Bay"...First Confirmed on Southern Coast

Suncheon City Reports "Stable Habitat Environment... Achievement in Suncheon Bay's Ecological Value"

Suncheon City in Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Metropolitan City announced on August 6, 2026, that it had confirmed breeding activity of the endangered wild bird species, the Black-faced Spoonbill, for the first time on the southern coast at Janggu Island in Suncheon Bay.

The city observed 15 Black-faced Spoonbill nests on Janggu Island and captured images of the spoonbills either incubating eggs or raising chicks. Recently, over 50 Black-faced Spoonbills were also spotted at the restored wetland in Suncheon Bay, which was previously reclaimed land. These observations indicate that the tidal flats in Suncheon Bay are being used as both a breeding ground and a stable habitat for the Black-faced Spoonbill.

A flock of black-faced spoonbills is shown feeding. Provided by Suncheon City.

The city attributed this result to the organic connection between Suncheon Bay tidal flats and the surrounding inland wetlands, which together provide a stable environment required for the breeding, feeding, and resting of Black-faced Spoonbills.

Going forward, the city plans to strengthen protection and management measures to ensure the stability of this new breeding site by working together with relevant agencies such as the National Institute of Ecology to continuously monitor the breeding status of the Black-faced Spoonbill on Janggu Island and to identify and address threats in the vicinity of the breeding grounds.

Suncheon Mayor Sohn Hunmo stated, "The successful breeding of Black-faced Spoonbills on Janggu Island is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates the ecological value of Suncheon Bay preserved by our citizens. Based on our conservation and utilization plan for Suncheon Bay, we will strengthen on-site management and work with the local community to continue safeguarding new habitats."

Currently, the Black-faced Spoonbill is a critically endangered species worldwide, with only about 7,700 individuals remaining. More than 90 percent of the global population breeds in Korea, with most breeding sites concentrated along the west coast.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.