SHIJIAZHUANG -- Four rare black storks have appeared in the wetlands of North China's Hebei province.

The black storks were spotted in wetlands near the Jinshanling Great Wall in Luanping county, which boasts a lush vegetation and good ecological environment, and has long been a popular tourist attraction.

Experts with the local wildlife conservation association said it is likely that these adult black storks are nesting and incubating eggs on nearby cliffs.

Black stork is a Class A protected animal in China. The rare bird has a conspicuous red beak and bare red skin around its eyes and its black wings shine with a metallic green gloss under the sunshine.