Birds are highly sensitive to changes in their habitats. Shifts in their population size, distribution, and breeding success often signal the overall health of an ecosystem.

Local media reported that flocks begin migrating from northern regions to the resort in late September. Thanks to Tongren's ecological protection efforts, forest coverage has reached 66.2 percent and water quality at major river outflow sections is rated good across the board.

Every winter, large numbers of birds overwinter along the city's waterways.