The 9^th National Symposium on Ornithology of COS was successfully held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province from 12-13 October, 2007.  The main goal of this symposium was to assess the progresses and accomplishments of ornithological research during the past two years in China.  About 200 participants, representing various research institutes, universities, museums, and nature reserves, attended this historical and productive symposium.  The symposium was organised by China Ornithological Society, hosted by Sichuan University, and supported by Sichuan Zoological Society, Beijing Zoological Society, WWF, and Chengdu Birdwatching Society.

The theme of this symposium was “Bird Diversity and Conservation”. Prof. Zhang Zhengwang, the Secretary General of COS chaired the opening ceremony.  The President of COS, Prof. Gao Wei extended a warm welcome to all participants.  There were 10 plenary presentations, 55 orals, and 21 posters during the symposium.  The conference attracted ornithologists of diverse age and background, who all enjoyed the productive communications and the beauty of Chengdu and Sichuan.  The participants were encouraged by the recent quick development and bright prospects of ornithological research in China.