🐦 Rare Snakebirds Spotted in Phu My Hung, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

 Residents of Ho Chi Minh City’s Phu My Hung district have been buzzing with excitement as four rare snakebirds (also known locally as Điêng điểng) were spotted around Ban Nguyet Lake.


🌿 A Surprise Visitor in the City

Since late June, these long-necked waterbirds have been seen diving for fish, spreading their glossy black wings, and perching gracefully on trees around the lake.

  • Each bird stands 60–70 cm tall with a wingspan of about 1 meter.

  • They often hunt in the morning (9–10 AM) and again in the late afternoon (4–5 PM).

🦢 Why It’s Special

Snakebirds belong to Group IB in Vietnam’s Red Data Book, which means they are endangered and strictly protected.

  • Locals are not allowed to hunt, trade, or keep them.

  • They are usually found in wetlands like Láng Sen (Long An), Đồng Tháp, and Nam Cát Tiên (Đồng Nai) — so spotting them in an urban area like Phu My Hung is a rare treat.

🐍 Why the Name “Snakebird”?

Their slender, snake-like neck gives them the nickname. When they swim with just the head and neck above water, they really do look like a snake gliding along the surface.

🌆 Nature Meets Urban Life

Phu My Hung, once a swamp and now a bustling urban area, still maintains lakes, canals, and green zones — making it a surprising but welcoming stopover for migratory birds like the snakebird.

👉 For city dwellers, it’s a reminder that even in concrete jungles, wildlife finds a way. So if you’re strolling by Ban Nguyet Lake, keep your eyes open — you might just spot these elegant “snake-necked divers.”

VanCha (source: vnexpress.net)

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