Xiao of Mount Liangqu, one-eyed bird with four wings and a dog tail, Qing Shanhaijing painted manuscript
The caption names the bird of Mount Liangqu and specifies four wings, one eye and a dog’s tail. The curling tail and single eye are visible in this representation; this bird is distinct from the western ape-like Xiao.
Overview
The Xiao bird of Mount Liangqu appears in the Shanhaijing’s second northern itinerary. It has four wings, one eye, and a dog’s tail. Its voice is compared with a magpie’s, and the account attributes dietary effects to it. The preceding body comparison uses a difficult named term, so this profile relies on the explicit numbered features rather than confidently translating that comparison into a familiar species.
This bird should remain distinct from the long-armed ape-like Xiao of the Western Mountains, even though the written name is shared. The entry classifies the Liangqu creature as a bird and specifies wings, while the western beast is described through arms and throwing. Neither statement says that one changes into the other. The one eye and four wings are especially important when checking a labelled plate, since a romanized name alone cannot resolve this difference.
Origins & earliest records
China; Shanhaijing Northern Mountains
Records & interpretation
Named primary-text transcription directly read; exact historical illustration pending.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Shanhaijing, Northern Mountains
Second northern itinerary; Mount Liangqu
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Shanhaijing
Northern Mountains. Second northern itinerary; Mount Liangqu
Directly read primary-text transcription. Identifying passage: 四翼、一目、犬尾，名曰嚻. Historical plate not yet matched.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Primary text transcriptionShanhaijing: Northern Mountains, received primary textResearch access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical manuscript illustrationXiao of Mount Liangqu, one-eyed bird with four wings and a dog tail, Qing Shanhaijing painted manuscript
The caption names the bird of Mount Liangqu and specifies four wings, one eye and a dog’s tail. The curling tail and single eye are visible in this representation; this bird is distinct from the western ape-like Xiao.
