A colony of Himalayan vultures was seen flying and foraging in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on January 3, adding life to early spring.

The Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) is under second-class national protection and is listed as a near threatened species by IUCN Red List. Its wingspread can up to two meters long. It lives in dry and cold mountains and often flies at altitudes around 6,000 meters.

(All images via VCG)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)