Chinese crested terns (Thalasseus bernsteini), which are one of the most endangered species in the world, have been found in Jiaozhou Bay of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province on Aug 30, according to chinanews.com.

The bird is endangered around the world, especially in China. It was previously thought extinct by experts, however four pairs were discovered in 2000, nesting in a greater crested tern colony on an islet in the Matsu Islands of Taiwan and migrating south to the Philippines for winter.

It previously had been found living throughout the Chinese east coast in the past, as far as Shandong province. The birds breed in the wetlands, islands and bays of Shandong, before migrating south for winter.

The total population of extant Chinese crested terns is thought to be less than 50. China has now collected five specimens of the bird.

Chinese crested terns are found in Jiaozhou Bay of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province on Aug 30. [Photo/Chinanews.com.cn]

A Chinese crested tern forages in the wetlands of Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Chinanews.com.cn]

A Chinese crested tern flies over the wetlands of Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/Chinanews.com.cn]