Every May to July, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region welcomes large flocks of rosy starlings. The bird, which is known for its excellent ability in hunting crop-destroying locusts, visits the region every summer to breed and raise their fledglings. As the chicks need a large amount of food, the adult rosy starlings will be busy hunting for the entire two months, thus making a significant contribution to the local agriculture.

The bird is much loved by locals and enjoys many protections. Every year, the local government and residents build bird nests to help shelter their industrious guests. Their safety is paramount. This year in Zhaosu County, the owner of a guesthouse halted construction after finding rosy starling nests on the construction site. 

Read more about rosy starlings: 

The rosy starling: Cavalry against Xinjiang's locusts

(Cover image via VCG)

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