Birdwatching Trip Report from

Taiwan is 160 km across the Taiwan Straits from Mainland China and in the North-South migration path between Japan and the Philippines. Though the island is relatively small, its mountains are extremely high reaching 3952m at Yushan (Jade Mountain). The mountains rise straight out of the sea on the east coast, while the west side of the island is a flat and fertile plain, mostly developed agriculturally with rice paddies. It is the central mountains that contain all but one of the 14 endemics of Taiwan, more endemics than any other area of China. World birding media was focused on Taiwan in June of 2000 when Chinese Crested Tern, thought to be extinct, was discovered and photographed on the island of Matsu in the Taiwan Straits by Liang Chich-tch, a noted Taiwan nature photographer. See http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/feature/chincres.html for story and photos or http://bird.org.tw/English/Chinese%20crested%20tems.htm for story and video.

Politically and culturally Taiwan's roots are Chinese (with links to Fujian province in S.China) with a remnant population of aboriginals probably from Polynesia. The island was occupied by the Japanese for the first fifty years of the last century and older citizens speak Japanese as well as Chinese. Younger citizens speak Taiwanese, a dialect of Mandarin and English.

Roads are excellent although the drivers are very aggressive in passing and ignoring red lights. Road signs are in Chinese with some English translation around the major cities. Road maps in Chinese as well as English are essential for identifying the names of cities by their Chinese characters and then watching for those characters on road signs. The people are extremely friendly and helpful, and most understand English even if they are not confident in their ability to speak it. A piece of paper with a destination written in Chinese characters is a valuable resource. We rented our vehicle, a 2 liter Honda CRV 4 wheel drive, for around $ 70/day from Central Auto-Service, 164 Sec 4, Cheng Te Road, Taipei, Taiwan. Tel: (8862) 2882-1000, Fax: (8862) 2881-6534. They will deliver to and pick up from hotel for an additional charge which might be the same as a taxi. Negotiating a weekly rate may save money. Everyone negotiates in Taiwan.

It is only recently that that Taiwan began thinking about preserving its natural treasures after decades of over development and exploitation of non-human species. Since 1984 six national parks have been established. Local bird clubs have been successful in educating locals and the government in the importance of Taiwan's avian population and birdwatching is a popular pastime. Popular resistance to development, including protests against nuclear power while we were there, and the conservation movement began with the Taiwanese people who have a reverence for nature despite their exploitation of other species.

The 466 species of birds that have been sighted in Taiwan include many migrants and have been studied and written about by naturalists from Swinhoe to mainland China's formemost ornithologist Cheng. Consequently, there is a great deal of confusion over some of the taxonomy (see TAXONOMIC PROBLEMS below). There are three current field guides that cover Taiwan, the best of which is in Chinese only with English names of birds, some of them in error. This field guide can be purchased at the Wild Bird Society of Taipei (contact above), a first stop on any birder's visit to Taiwan.

Taiwan is on the Tropic of Cancer and there are two seasons in Taiwan: wet and dry. It can be chilly or hot and humid in the cities of the North. A Siberian front blew through while we were there and we changed from shorts and T-shirts to down jackets and knit caps for the day. The mountains can be freezing and there is snow on the peaks. Frequently fog is in the higher altitudes. Like any tropical location, rain can occur almost anytime. A full array of clothing is advisable.

The only natural hazards are a few very poisonous vipers. One is named the Hundred Pace snake because you only get 100 steps before you die. There is a rumor that these snakes were released from captivity by the Japanese when they abandoned the island. We didn't see any herps of any kind during our trip although the two government parks we stayed in had posters of the vipers and information about anti-venom. Flies were occasionally annoying but didn't bite.

The food is mostly fish and pork for protein always accompanied by rice or noodles. We had a hard time finding chicken. In the bigger cities there is more variety. In the mountains, we could choose our own vegetables for an inexpensive stir fry or noodle dish. Taiwan beer is abundant and inexpensive and pretty tasty after a day of birding. Bottled water is advisable over tap even for brushing of teeth.

A Field Guide to the Birds of Taiwan, 1973, text by James Wan-fu Chang, Illustrations by Pau-hse Lin, Yu-hsio Huang, Lih-ching She and Jen-Huey Lee.
A Field Guide to the Birds of Taiwan, 1991, text by C.C. Wang, M.C. Tsai among others, illustrations by Takashi Taniguchi, Published by Taichung Bird Club.
A Field Guide to the Birds of China, 2000, John MacKinnon & Karen Phillipps, Oxford University Press
Birds of the World: A Checklist, 2000, James Clements, Ibis Publishing,
Lonely Planet Guide to Taiwan, 1998, Robert Storey, Lonely Planet Publications
Chinese at a Glance, 1986, Scott D. Seligman and I-Chuan Chen, Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
Taiwan Republic of China map, Nelles Verlag GmbH, Munich
Taiwan Republic of China maps in Chinese provided by Mr.Jo-Szu Tsai

Local birders and researchers enjoy showing visiting birders Taiwan out of pride and enjoyment and the hopes that the world will find out about the birds of Taiwan. Currently, none of the commercial guiding companies include Taiwan in their itineraries, and there is only one commercial company, Natural Kingdom, in Taiwan which operates more to world destinations for groups of Taiwan birders than for visiting birders to Taiwan. We came across some local guides who offer their services for a fee while we were birding, but I don't know how to contact them other than through accommodations in parks.

Mr. and Mrs. Mu-chi Tsai. Recently retired from Taiwan University and co-author of the field guide published by Taichung Bird Club, Mr. Tsai lives in Puli and is happily a "full time birder." He enjoys meeting birders from around the world. His English and Japanese are very good in addition to his native Chinese. He prefers to communicate via their son Mr. Jo-Szu Tsai, hoopoe@pchome.com.tw who recently passed an environmental engineering examination and is working in Ilan County. A family of birders.

Mr. Yao Cheng-Te, Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou County, yaoct@tesri.gov.tw. Mr. Yao was very helpful in permission to enter the Endemic Species Research station in Tsuifeng, although the gates were not locked, and also has a research station at the top of Hohuanshan Mtn., both of which he is eager to show to visiting birders around the world. There is a possibility that birders can stay overnight at the station, but you must bring your own sleeping bag and towels as well as food. We chose to stay nearby in a hotel.

Mr. CT Wu, Natural Kingdom, wuctun@ms4.hinet.net. Natural Kingdom is a commercial business that arranges world birding tours to destinations such as Madagascar for the growing population of Taiwan birders who generally travel in a group. They can provide a guided tour of Taiwan for a price.

Mr. Wen-Horn Lin, wehorn@cm1.hinet.net. A raptor expert and author of a publication on the distribution of birds in Taiwan, Mr. Lin is available at times to guide visiting birders around Taipei or around Taiwan. He knows of a location for Mountain Hawk-Eagle nest in the South, and can be very helpful identifying raptors during the migration season.

Wild Bird Society of Taipei, 1F, No.3, Lane 160, Sec. 2, Fu-Shing S. Rd 106, Taipei, Taiwan, Tel: (8862) 2325-5084, wbst@ms12.hinet.net, the first stop for any birder going to Taiwan.

Weedy patches and rice paddies around Puli - great location for Prinias, Cisticolas, Bunting. Savannah Nightjar common on dirt roads in summer. Temple forest in Puli. Overnight at Apollo Hotel, Puli,1,Ming Chi 1^st St.,Puli Town, Nantou Hsien, Taiwan, ROC, Tel:049-900555 Fax:049-900552. Approximately $60/nt.

Puli was damaged in an earthquake around two years ago and is the geographical center of Taiwan. It is a great base for the mid and lower elevation species including endemics Formosan Magpie, Formosan Whistling-Thrush, Steere's Liocichla, White-eared Sibia and Yellow Tit as well as non-endemic Ashy Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Pigeon, Black-browed Barbet, Gray-capped Woodpecker, Large Cuckoo-shrike, Gray-chinned Minivet, Collared Finchbill, Black Bulbul, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Vivid Niltava, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, Bronzed Drongo, Gray Treepie, skulky Dusky Fulvetta and flocks of White-bellied Yuhina, Gray-cheeked Fulvetta, Rufous-capped Babbler, Black-throated Tit, Green-backed Tit and Varied Tit. From Puli it is an easy drive to Hueisun Experimental Forest, Wushe or Sun Moon Lake. Fukuan and Anmanshan are also great birding destinations in this area and there are accommodations, some with hot springs, at both of those sites.

Low and mid-level forst species including endemics Formosan Magpie, Taiwan Whistling-Thrush and White-eared Sibia and species of pigeon, thrush, and flocks including tits, fulvettas and yuhinas. Fruiting tree on road to Anmanshan about 23 km. From Dongshi - any fruiting tree might contain Island Thrush and Vivid Niltava. Overnight at Apollo Hotel, Puli

Bedongyuenshan is a private farm above Wushe. Permission is needed to visit this rich location, the best site for endemic and hard to see Taiwan Partridge. The chain on the gate may be locked. For permission contact Mr. Mu-chi Tsai and ask him to be your guide if he has time. He is co-author of the guide to Taiwan birds published by the Taiwan Wild Bird Society, the best guide for the birds of this region. His English is good and his Japanese is good and of course his Chinese is perfect. Retired from Taiwan University, he enjoys meeting birders and showing them Taiwan.

Directions: Go up from Wushe on Hwy 14 toward Hohuanshan mountain (the left fork out of Wushe) about 4 km to a left hand turnoff, the first turnoff there is. Go about 5-10 km on this road until you come to a metal gate on the left. That is Bedongyuenshan. The gate may or may not be locked, but in any case you need permission to go on this property. The farm is located at the top of the road.

This was a tremendous site for many hard to find species and best in the area for endemic Taiwan Partridge and good for Swinhoe's Pheasant. Other hard to see species seen include Mountain Scops-Owl, Gray-faced Woodpecker, Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler (at the top), Collared Bush-Robin, White-throated Laughingthrush, Pygmy Wren-Babbler, migrants depending on the season and flocks with endemic Taiwan Yuhina, White-bellied Yuhina, tits, babblers and Eurasian Nuthatch.

Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm) above Wushe, Center of reforestation program of native plants. This is a program that Mr. Tsai started at Taiwan University and he was kind enough to take us through the greenhouse to see the native ferns of Taiwan including one that looks like a cycad. Mr. Tsai started a program to reforest Taiwan with native plants rather than imported pines and eucalyptus.

Directions: from Wushe take the right fork out of the town and watch for the greenhouses on the left above the road. This site is above the popular birding site around the dam below. Permission is probably necessary to enter this property but birders are probably welcome.

The grasses around the farm have Brown Prinia, Plain Prinia, Collared Finchbill and who knows what depending on the season, and the forest edge is known for Chinese Bamboo-Partridge, Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler, Hwamei, Rusty Laughingthrush, Black-naped Monarch among other species.

Overnight at Wu Ying Hotel, Wushe, Tel:049-2802360,2802361 Fax:049-2802948, approx $50/nt

We made an appointment by email with Mr. Yao Cheng-Te of the Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute some time ago to gain access to this mountain research center road, the best site for Mikado Pheasant. We met him at our hotel at 6 a.m. and drove to Tsuifeng to the blue metal gate on the left hand side of the road. There is an entrance to a lower trail which has species including Swinhoe's Pheasant, White-backed Woodpecker and Taiwan Barwing. Above that trail is another mountain road through another blue gate. On this 10 km road the Mikado Pheasant can be found. Others have seen all the endemics in one day on these two trails. We also found endemic White-whiskered Laughingthrush abundant, Rusty Laughingthrush, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker and Taiwan Macaque.

We finished Tsuifeng early and all the species but the highest altitude so decided to spend the afternoon at the top of Houhuanshan in conifers and dwarf bamboo. The parking lot and roadside at the summit is famous for Alpine Accentor but when we were there the military was cleaning trash from the parking lot area and there were no birds. The conifers contain endemic Flamecrest, Eurasian Nutcracker, Brown Bullfinch. Dwarf bamboo might contain the rare Golden Parrotbill but we didn't see any. Forest patches and scrubby areas could yield Winter Wren, Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler, endemic Taiwan Bush-Warbler, abundant roadside endemic White-whiskered Laughingthrush, endemic Steere's Liocichla, Vinaceous Rosefinch and stops at bridges over mountain streams could yield Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail and Brown Dipper as well as migrants.

Directions: Hwy 14 to the top of Hohuanshan with stops along the way at any pullout or parking lot or a patches behind hotels. Overnight at Wu Ying Hotel, Wushe

Day 5 Drive from Wushe to top of Houhuanshan and down East side past Tayuling thru Taroko Gorge to Hwalien on East Coast.

Taroko Gorge on the drive down the east slope is one of the natural wonders of Asia. Huge marble cliff faces rise on either side of the deep gorge as you drive through, and there are even nesting swallows in one part of the gorge. Taroko Gorge National Park is a site for the endemic Styan's Bulbul but there are also many Light-vented/Styan's hybrids so be careful. Unfortunately, the many tour buses and tourists even during the week cause a lot of traffic jams and exhaust fumes on the small two lane road so we weren't inspired to stop at the Hot Springs and temple commemorating Kwan Yin reached by footbridge over the river. We went through as fast as possible and drove down Hwy 9 through Hwalien to Fuyuen Bird Park in Hwalien County which we reached around 4 p.m.

Directions: Take Hwy 9 south from Hwalien to town of Kuangfu. Turnoff to Fuyuen Bird Park is on the right 10 km South of Kuangfu train station. Right turn again in center of town of Fuyuen at sign (in Chinese) to Fuyuen Bird Park, a new government facility with cabins. Past new temple to Fuyuen park up driveway with waterfall in the center to the hotel.

This lower altitude montane forest on a big river of marble stones is exquisite habitat with well-kept trails, comfortable cabins and a terrific location for Maroon Oriole, which we saw in the parking lot as we pulled up. There weren't a lot of species here, and few that we hadn't seen already. Endemic Styan's Bulbul were abundant as were raptors. We heard Chinese Bamboo-Patridge and saw Collared Owlet, Collared Scops-Owl, Black Bulbul, and flocks of endemic White-eared Sibia. There were signs indicating that both Scimitar-Babblers were present, but we didn't hear them. A beautiful and inexpensive location. Overnight Fuyuen Bird Park, 03-8811514, apprx. $30/nt

From Fuyuen we drove North on Hwy 9 toward Hwalien stopping at Shoufeng where we found Dong Hwa University. We drove around the perimeter and scoped the athletic fields. This is a great location for grassland/plains birds including Ring-necked Pheasant (a real endemic ssp, not introduced), Oriental Turtle-Dove, Red Collared-Dove, Oriental Skylark, Richard's Pipit, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Ferruginous Flycatcher, Long-tailed Shrike, large flocks of Nutmeg Mannikin.

Afterwards, we drove the long drive through Hwalien and up the scenic coast Hwy 9 drive to Suao looking for gulls but not seeing any. We drove inland on Hwy 9 at Suao and drove to Chiaohsi to meet Mr. C-T Wu and find a hot springs hotel for overnight. There are many in this city. Overnight Chaoshi, apprx $60/nt

Mr. Wu took us to this temple on a river where we hoped to see Chinese Bamboo-Patridge but again only heard them. We also hoped for Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler but no luck. We did find a flock of endemic Formosan Magpie.

We drove through agricultural rice paddies and flooded fields to look for migrant shorebirds, waders and ducks and resident waterbirds. Good spot at this time for Long-toed Stint, White-breasted Waterhen, Garganey, Spotted Redshank, Yellow Bittern, Oriental Pratincole, Gray Wagtail, Brown Shrike among many other species.

We had permission to get into the regulated Fushan Botanical Gardens in the afternoon in hopes of seeing the Mandarin Duck that is resident there. Afterwards we drove the long drive through the mountains to Taipei. Rain prevented us from stopping for Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler in sites along the way. Overnight Taipei, United Hotel, N.200 Kwang-fu Rd., Taipei, ROC, Tel: (02)27731515 Fax: (02) 27819343, apprx $110/nt

Before work I took the subway to Taipei Main Station and changed for the Nanshiu Chiao (orange) or Hsintien (green) Line South two stops to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall exit and walked to the National Museum of History and adjoining Botanical Gardens where up to three Malayan Night-Herons have taken up residence. They are easy to find in the more wooded areas walking slowly on the ground searching for worms. Overnight Taipei

Early in the morning we met Mr. Lin, a raptor expert and author of a book on distribution of birds in Taiwan and searched the mountains of Taipei for Chinese Bamboo-Patridge and Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, our last chance. Heard both but no sightings.

In the afternoon, I took the subway to Taipei Station and changed for the Tamshui line North fifteen stops to Kuantu. Out of the station turn left and go up the hill through the busy intersection and follow the red lanterns to the unbelievable Kuantu Temple, or take a taxi. In front of the Temple is a parking lot. Past the parking lot is a road with food stalls and souvenir stands directly in front of the main courtyard of the main temple. On the right in the middle of these stalls is a narrow path with a sign to the Kuantu Marshes Birdwatching area. Here you can walk for a kilometer or two on the levee looking over mangroves to your right or marshes and plains to your left. Good for herons, egrets, ducks, snipe, Common Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Prinia, Vinous-throated Parrotbill, Crested Myna (Taiwan ssp), Black-faced Bunting and maybe a Ruddy-breasted Crake if you are lucky.

The Kuantu Temple was built in 1661 and is dedicated to Matsu, goddess of the sea. It is at least a two hour affair of room after room of spinning, whirling, flashing, colorful deities and images and incense that is certainly the most interesting Daoist temple in the area.

TRIP LIST

1. Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Common
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

2. Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Common
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei
Taipei drive to airport

3. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Common
Weedy patches around Puli, Jizo-in Temple near Puli in rice paddies
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

4. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Common in rice paddies
Hueisun Experimental Forest (23 km from Dongshi)-to 2500m

5. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Common
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

6. Malayan Night-Heron (Gorsachius melanolophus)
Resident migrant in Taipei Botanical Gardens

7. Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Rare winter migrant
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei
One seen jumping over reeds

8. Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) formerly Green-winged Teal
Common Oct-March
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

9. Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha)
Common Sept-April
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

10. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Common Oct-April
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

11. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Common Oct-April
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

12. Oriental Honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
Rare migrant
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

13. Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
Common Endemic ssp.S.c.hoya
Common in Taipei as well as the entire island
Taipei; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

14. Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Common Sept-April
Taipei outskirts on drive to airport

15. Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus)
Endemic ssp.A.t.formosae
Uncommon resident
Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm); Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

16. Besra (Accipiter virgatus) fka Asiatic Sparrowhawk
Endemic subspecies A.v.fuscipectus
Rare resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

17. Black Eagle (Ichtinaetus malayensis)
ssp.I.m.malayensis
Rare resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Hohuanshan Mountain

18. Taiwan Partridge (Arborophila crudigularis) fka Taiwan Hill Patridge ENDEMIC SPECIES
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe
Seen twice on two different days. Best seen late morning by listening for scratching in the leaves on a flat slope below and slowly sneaking up and peering down to the source of the noise. If it flushes you won’t see much. Distinguished from Chinese Bamboo Patridge from rear after by absence of rufus tail feathers.

19. Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii)-VULNERABLE ENDEMIC SPECIES
Seen twice; once at Bedongyuenshan above Wushe (Glimpse of a male as he disappeared into the underbrush) and better views at Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail) as we looked down the mountain to see a male feeding in the grass of a sunlit glade about thirty feet below us.

20. Mikado Pheasant (Syrmaticus Mikado)-VULNERABLE ENDEMIC SPECIES
One male seen well at Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail). We were looking at a Fire-breasted Flowerpecker when we heard some chucking near our feet and turned to see a male about eight feet down the trail slowly strutting with his head up, lifting and spreading his tail while calling to his mate up the hill. He stayed in the trail for about three minutes.

21. Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
Endemic ssp.P.c.formosanus, Uncommon
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien
A native not an introduced one!

22. White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
Common
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

23. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Common
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

24. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
Common Nov-April
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

25. Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum)
Common esp. in the South
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

26. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Common Sept-May
Weedy patches around Puli, Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

27. Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) aka Kentish Plover
Common Oct-April
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

28. Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
Common Sept-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi: Kuantu marshes near Kuantu Temple N. of Taipei

29. Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
Uncommon winter migrant
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

30. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Rare winter migrant
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

31. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Common August-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

32. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common August-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

33. Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
Common Sept-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

34. Long-toed Stint (Calidris subminuta)
Common Nov-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

35. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (calidris acuminata)
Common Sept-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

36. Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Common
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

37. Ashy Wood-Pigeon (Columba pulchricollis)
Common in elevations below 2500m
Hueisun Experimental Forest, Flock of 37 of them in a tree

38. Oriental Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia orientalis) Endemic ssp.S.o.orii
Common
Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien; Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

39. Red Collared-Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica)
Common esp.around towns
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

40. Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)
Common esp.around towns
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli

41. White-bellied Pigeon (Treron sieboldii) aka Japanese Green Pigeon
Common resident
Hueisun Experimental Forest, Only one seen flying through the forest

42. Mountain Scops-Owl (Otus spilocephalus)
Common resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe, Flushed from the roadside by car and perched nearby for good looks in the daylight

43. Collared Scops-Owl (Otus lettia) Endemic ssp.O.l.glabripes
Common
Heard and seen in flight around cabins at Fuyuen Bird Park. Identified by one note call. All other owls on Taiwan have disyllabic or repeated calls. We didn’t see face for eye color identification which also distinguishes.

44. Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei)
Common resident, heard often
Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien , One flew into the dining room

45. House Swift (Apus nipalensis)
Common resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

46. Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Common resident
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

47. Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti) fka Muller’s Barbet, endemic ssp. M.o.nuchalis
Commonly seen and heard in any patch of forest
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Fuyuen Bird Park S. of Hwalien

48. Gray-capped Woodpecker (Dendrocopos canicapillus) ssp.D.c.kaleensis
Fairly common
Hueisun Experimental Forest

49. White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) Endemic ssp.D.l.insularis
Fairly common resident
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)
One seen and heard on dead tree at beginning of trail

50. Gray-faced Woodpecker (Picus canus) ssp.tancolo
Uncommon resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

51. Oriental Skylark (Alauda gulgula)
Common resident
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

52. Plain Martin (Riparia paludicola)
Common resident
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

53. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Common Sept-May
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest

54. Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica)
Common resident
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm); Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

55. Asian Martin (Delichon dasypus) aka Asian House Martin
Common resident
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

56. Black-backed Wagtail (Motacilla lugens)
Common resident
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

57. Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
Common Sept-May
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli

58. Gray Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Common resident near water
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

59. Richard's Pipit (Anthus richardi)
Uncommon Oct-March
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

60. Large Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina macei)
Uncommon and local resident
Hueisun Experimental Forest

61. Gray-chinned Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris)
Common resident
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm);

62. Collared Finchbill (Spizixos semitorques)
Endemic ssp.cinereicapillus
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

63. Styan's Bulbul (Pycnonotus taivanus) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common
Taroko Gorge (Both Styan's and hybrid Styan/Light-vented are here but this is the only reliable spot for this species N. of Hwalien); Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

64. Light-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) Endemic ssp.P.s.formosae
Common
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

65. Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) Endemic ssp.H.l.nigerrimus
Common
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm); Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien; Temple above Chiaoshi

66. Flamecrest (Regulus goodfellowi) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common in conifers in high altitude
Hohuanshan Mountain

67. Brown Dipper (Cinclus pallasii)
Common in mid and high altitude streams
Hohuanshan Mountain

68. Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) Endemic ssp.T.t.taivanus
Common in high altitude
Hohuanshan Mountain

69. Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
Common Sept-May
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

70. Formosan Whistling-Thrush (Myophonus insularis) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Fairly common near water; great call
Hueisun Experimental Forest

71. Scaly Thrush (Zoothera dauma)
Common Oct-May
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

72. Pale Thrush (Turdus pallidus)
Common Oct-May Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tayuling on Hohuanshan Mtn.

73. Dusky Thrush (Turdus naumanni)
Common Oct-May
Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

74. Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)
Common
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli

75. Brown Prinia (Prinia polychroa)
Endemic ssp.P.p.bangsi fka Hill Warbler
Common and heard often but hard to see in the grasses
Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

76. Yellow-bellied Prinia (Prinia flaviventris)
Common in lowlands
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

77. Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata) Endemic ssp.P.i.flavirostris fka Tawny Wren
Common and often heard but hard to see in grasses
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

78. Brownish-flanked Bush-Warbler (Cettia fortipes) Endemic ssp.C.f.robustipes
Uncommon and noisy, finally seen
Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

79. Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler (Cettia acanthizoides) Endemic ssp.C.a.concolor
Fairly common, one seen at the top of the mountain
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Hohuanshan Mountain

80. Taiwan Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus alishanensis) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Two seen well in bare bush. One flew across the road for more looks.

81. Rufous-faced Warbler (Abroscopus albogularis)
Common 500-2300m
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

82. Ferruginous Flycatcher (Muscicapa ferruginea)
Common resident
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

83. Snowy-browed Flycatcher (Ficedula hyperythra)
Endemic ssp.F.h.innexa
High pitched call heard frequently, sometimes seen in forest
Hueisun Experimental Forest;

84. Vivid Niltava (Niltava vivida)
Endemic ssp.N.v.vivida
Fairly common especially on fruiting trees
Hueisun Experimental Forest

85. Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus)
Uncommon migrant, two seen here and no where else
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

86. White-browed Bush-Robin (Tarsiger indicus) Endemic ssp.T.i.formosanus
Uncommon
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

87. Collared Bush-Robin (Tarsiger johnstoniae) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Fairly common, recognizable coughing call
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

88. Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus)
Uncommon winter migrantTsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm); Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

89. Plumbeous Redstart (Rhyacornis fuliginosus)
Common in or near streams and rivers
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Hohuanshan Mountain; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

90. Little Forktail (Enicurus scouleri)
Uncommon in high mountain streams
Hohuanshan Mountain

91. Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea) Endemic subsp.H.a.oberholseri
Common in forest
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

92. White-throated Laughingthrush (Garrulax albogularis) Endemic ssp.G.a.ruficeps
Fairly common, we saw a noisy flock of around 30 Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

93. Rusty Laughingthrush (Garrulax poecilorhynchus) Endemic ssp.G.p.poecilorhynchus
Not uncommon in lower altitudes 600-2100m
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

94. Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) Endemic ssp.G.c.taewanus
Best song of any bird on the trip. Located by song, seen after much difficulty from skillful ventriloquism.
Tsuenyan Farm (Taiwan University highland farm)

95. White-whiskered Laughingthrush (Garrulax morrisonianus) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Abundant at higher altitudes
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail); Hohuanshan Mountain

96. Steere's Liocichla (Liocichla steerii) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common especially near moisture, stays on the ground in thick ferns, vegetation, chipping call
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

97. Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis) Endemic ssp.musicus
Common, heard often in mid elevations
Hueisun Experimental Forest

98. Pygmy Wren-Babbler (Pnoepyga pusilla) Endemic ssp.P.p.formosana
Heard frequently (high pitched whistle) but very small and skulky. One of the favorite birds of the trip. Like small antpitta. Bedongyuenshan above Wushe but heard in several loations

99. Rufous-capped Babbler (Stachyris ruficeps) Endemic ssp.S.r.praecognita
Common in forest esp. in flocks
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

100. Taiwan Barwing (Actinodura morrisoniana) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common on the lower blue gate trail
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

101. Streak-throated Fulvetta (Alcippe cinereiceps) Endemic ssp.A.c.formosana fka Brown-headed Nun Babbler
Common but only seen once
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

102. Dusky Fulvetta (Alcippe brunnea)
Commonly heard esp. near streams, gullies, easily recognized whistling call, skulker, hard to see
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

103. Gray-cheeked Fulvetta (Alcippe morrisonia) Endemic ssp.morrisonia
Common esp. in flocks
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail

104. White-eared Sibia (Heterophasia auricularis) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common, recognizable calls including wolf whistle
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

105. Taiwan Yuhina (Yuhina brunneiceps) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Common especially in flocks, call sounds like name “Yuhina”
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail; Hohuanshan Mountain

106. White-bellied Yuhina (Yuhina zantholeuca)
Common especially in flocks
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

107. Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus) Endemic ssp.P.w.bulomachus
Fairly common
Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

108. Black-throated Tit (Aegithalos concinnus)
Common especially in flocks, looks like miniature Red-shouldered Vanga, one of favorite birds of the trip
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

109. Coal Tit (Periparus ater) Endemic ssp.P.a.ptilosus
Uncommon in subalpine zone
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail; Hohuanshan Mountain

110. Green-backed Tit (Parus monticolus) Endemic ssp.P.m.insperatus
Common esp. in flocks
Hueisun Experimental Forest

111. Yellow Tit (Macholophus holsti) ENDEMIC SPECIES
Fairly common, sometimes in flocks
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

112. Varied Tit (Sittiparus varius) Endemic ssp.S.v.castaneoventris
Fairly common esp. in flocks
Hueisun Experimental

113. Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
Common, sometimes in flocks
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

114. Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) Endemic ssp.D.i.formosum
Common in subalpine zone
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)

115. Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus) ssp.V.j.simplex
Abundant esp. in flocks
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

116. Maroon Oriole (Oriolus traillii) Endemic ssp.O.t.ardens
Common in this location and also found in Fushan above Wulai just outside Taipei
Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

117. Brown Shrike (Lanius cristatus)
Uncommon Sept-May but we saw a few times
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

118. Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach) ssp.L.s.schach
H Wa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien

119. Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) Endemic ssp.D.m.harterti
Common resident in lowland plains
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli

120. Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus)
Endemic ssp.braunianus
Common in mid-elevation forest
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

121. Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) Endemic ssp.G.g.taivanus
Fairly common in higher elevations
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe; Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail; Hohuanshan Mountain)

122. Formosan Magpie (Urocissa caerulea) aka Formosan Blue Magpie ENDEMIC SPECIES
Uncommon in mid-elevation below 2000m but above 1000m
Hueisun Experimental Forest (a noisy flock of six behind a park building picking through the garbage at a campsite); Temple above Chiaoshi, Ilan County (Noisy flock up the hill)

123. Gray Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) Endemic ssp.D.f.formosae
Common to 2500m
Hueisun Experimental Forest

124. Eurasian Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)aka Taiwan Nutcracker
Common in high altitude
Hohuanshan Mountain

125. Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) aka Jungle Crow
Common
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Hohuanshan Mountain; Fuyuen Bird Park S.of Hwalien

126. Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus) Endemic ssp.A.c.formosanus
Common in lower altitudes
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

127. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Abundant
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

128. White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata)
Common resident, introduced?
Hueisun Experimental Forest; Ponds/rice paddies in Ilan County near Chiaoshi

129. Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura puntuata)
Common resident, introduced?
Dong Hwa University, Shoufeng S. of Hwalien; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

130. Vinaceous Rosefinch (Carpodacus vinaceus) Endemic ssp.C.v.formosanus
Common in high altitude
Hohuanshan Mountain

131. Black-faced Bunting (Emberiza spodocephala)
Common Oct-May in weedy patches, fields in lowlands and plains
Weedy patches around Puli; Jizo-in Temple near Puli; Kuantu marshes near Kuantu temple N. of Taipei

MAMMALS

1. Taiwan Macaque (Macaca cyclopis)
Tsuifeng (second blue gate trail)
Two running fast down the mountain, up a tree to look around, then back down

2. Squirrel
Bedongyuenshan above Wushe

3. Formosan Striped Squirrel
Mt. Hohuanshan

OTHER NON-RARE, NON-VAGRANT SPECIES POSSIBLE IN TAIWAN BUT NOT SEEN ON THIS TRIP

1. Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis)
fairly common at Kuantu marshes

2. Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor)
Rare winter migrant
Taiwan is one of the great places to see this critically endangered species esp. near Tainan where a flock regularly winters. But we had already seen it in Japan.

3. Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata)
We got permission to enter Fushan Botanical Gardens near Ilan but the day we went was a holiday and raining. By the time we got to the pond, there were lots of noisy people and the ducks had hidden themselves well. We were told that the best way is to get permission to stay overnight in the research cabin and be the first person to the pond in the morning. This species is also seen at Wuling Farm 25 km north-east of Lishan just off the Cross-central Highway through the mountains of Nantou County.

4. Garganey (Anas querquedula)
A regular winter migrant. We looked and looked but didn’t find one.

5. Chinese Goshawk (Accipiter soloensis)
More common in spring especially in the South

6. Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)
Uncommon winter migrant

7. Mountain Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus nipalensis)
Nests on Taiwan but rare and most pairs in the Southern mountains

8. Chinese Bamboo-Partridge (Bambusicola thoracica) Endemic ssp.B.t.sonorivox
Heard many times but just couldn’t get a look at them no matter how close we got to the calls. And they wouldn’t flush with approach. We were told that April is the beginning of the mating season when they are very easy to see.

9. Barred Buttonquail (Turnix suscitator) Endemic ssp.T.s.rostrata
We were told they could be found by walking through the cane fields near Ilan but we never had time to do that.

10. Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca)
Supposed to be common on the West Coast but we didn’t spend any time there. Also possible at Kuantu Marshes north of Taipei but no luck.

11. Watercock (Gallicrex cinerea)
Uncommon March-Nov. We were too early.

12. Large Hawk-Cuckoo (Cuculus sparverioides)
Common migrant April-July esp. Lanyu Island

13. Oriental Cuckoo (Cuculus ssaturatus)
Common summer resident

14. Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis)
Common resident. Apparently abundant in Summer. Strangely, we never saw nor heard one. Where do they go?

15. Ryukyu Scops-Owl (Otus elegans)
Only found on Lanyu Island

16. Tawny Fish-Owl (Ketupa flavipes)
Well-known location at village of Fushan above Wulai just south of Taipei. It comes to trout farm around midnight to hunt. If you ask the owner you can stay at the trout farm and watch for the owl.

17. Brown Wood-Owl (Strix leptogrammica)
Uncommon resident to 2000m, seen by others at Tsuifeng

18. Brown Hawk-Owl (Ninox scutulata)
Uncommon resident to 2000m

19. Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis)
We drove the roads of Puli at dusk where they are usually found in the Spring and Summer but no luck. Do they migrate altitudinally?

20. Fairy Pitta (Pitta nympha)
Very rare Spring and Summer migrant with historic sightings recorded at Shihmen Dam in Taoyuan and Meinung in Kaohsiung. A local friend has seen it near Puli. Possible resident population in Taiwan.

21. Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus)
Common Sept-May

22. Alpine Accentor (Prunella collaris)
Common around the parking lot at the top of Hohoushan looking for crumbs around the food vendors and along the road up the west side and down the east side. Seen by others before us and after us but we didn’t see any.

23. Island Thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) Near endemic ssp. T.p.niveiceps

Rare resident in mid to high altitudes, there had been a flock coming in to a fruiting tree every day for the last week on the road from Puli to Anmanshan. The tree was surrounded by photographers and birdwatchers and the birds had come in that morning. But for the first afternoon in a week, the birds did not come in when we were there. Bad luck.

24. Eyebrowed Thrush (Turdus obscurus)
Common Oct-May

25. White-browed Shortwing (Brachypteryx Montana) Endemic ssp.B.m.goodfellowi
Common but difficult in high altitudes
Sometimes called Taiwan Shortwing but not elevated to species status by Clements, Sibley & Monroe nor any of the field guides

26. Siberian Rubythroat (Luscinia calliope)
Common Oct-April and heard on this trip but not seen

27. White-tailed Robin (Cinclidium leucurum) Endemic ssp.C.l.montium
Heard once at Huesin Experimental Forest

28. Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler (Pomatorhinus erythrocnemis) Endemic ssp.P.e.erythrocnemis
Heard once in mountains near Taipei. Apparently best in mountains between Taipei and Ilan. Disappearing in some of it’s range including Yamingshan where it is now very rare. At the same time, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler seems to be expanding it’s range. We heard them everywhere in lower and mid-elevations and saw them frequently.

29. Black-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis nialensis)or Golden Parrotbill (Paradoxornis verreauxi) (see TAXONOMIC PROBLEMS) Endemic ssp.P.n.morrisonianus
Rare in high altitudes in scrub and dwarf bamboo. We thought we heard a flock of them but the call has not been described and we couldn’t get them to respond or show themselves.

30. Plain Flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) Endemic ssp.D.c.uchidai
Uncommon in forests 300-2300m, more common in the South

31. Chestnut-cheeked Starling (Sturnia philippensis)
Common Oct-May in the east coast

32. Russet Sparrow (Passer rutilans)
Common resident 500-2000m
Sometimes with commoner European Tree Sparrow

33. Black-headed Munia ((Lonchura malacca) or Chestnut Munia (Lonchura atricapilla)(see Taxonomic Problems)

34. Brown Bullfinch (Pyrrhula nipalensis) Endemic ssp.P.n.uchidae
Common in high altitudes
We heard what could have been a bullfinch a few times on Hohuanshan but could never see it.

35. Gray-headed Bullfinch (Pyrrhula erythaca) Endemic ssp.P.e.owstoni
Common at Mt. Alishan and Mt. Morrison and we didn’t go there.

36. Chinese Crested Tern (Sterna bernsteini)
Thought to be extinct, this species was recently rediscovered on Matsu Island in the Taiwan Straits. It is possible to fly to the island and perhaps observe the birds during the breeding season beginning in June, but arrangements should be made through Wild Bird Society of Taipei in advance. http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/feature/chincres.html or http://bird.org.tw/English/Chinese%20crested%20tems.htm for more on this species.

TAXONOMIC PROBLEMS

Names of species seem to reflect the political changes with names Taiwan and Formosa (the old name for the island from the Portuguese for “beautiful island”) still in use. Latin species or sub-species names vary from taivanus and taiwanus to formosana.

Bush-Warblers

The Bush-Warblers of Asia are under revision and finding and discussing Bush-Warblers in Taiwan is very confusing, especially with the recent elevation of Taiwan Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus alishanensis) to species status with the Latin name commemorating one of the mountains, Alishan, on which it is found. None of the field guides include this species as recently described.and deciphering the guides differ over descriptions of species . Chang’s 1973 earliest guide reports four species of Bush-Warbler for Taiwan: Brown Bush-Warbler (Bradypterus seebohmi)[renamed Moutain Scrub Warbler as well as Russet Bush Warbler since the publication of the guide]; Yellow-bellied Bush-Warbler (Cettia acanthizoides); Bush Warbler (Cettia diphone)[split by region to Japanese Bush Warbler and Manchurian Bush Warbler since the publication of the guide]; and Mountain Bush-Warbler (Cettia fortipes)[renamed Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler since the publication of the guide] noting an endemic subspecies C.f.robustipes. Taiwan Wild Bird Society’s 1991 guide lists Short-tailed Bush Warbler (Cettia squamiceps) [changed to Asian Stubtail (Urosphena squameiceps) since the publication of the guide]; Bush Warbler (Cettia diphone) [split by region to Japanese Bush Warbler and Manchurian Bush Warbler since the publication of the book]; Strong-footed Bush-Warbler (Cettia fortipes)[renamed Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler since the publication of the book]; Verreaux’s Bush Warbler (Cettia acanthizoides)[renamed Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler since the publication of the book] and listed in the Warbler section is Mountain Scrub Warbler (Bradypterus seebohmi)[renamed Russet Bush Warbler after the publication of the guide] which my local sources tell me is the species that has been renamed or split to the endemic Taiwan Bush Warbler (Bradypterus alishanensis). MacKinnon and Phillipps’ just released field guide to China attributes five species of Bush Warbler to Taiwan: Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler (Cettia fortipes); Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler (Cettia acanthizoides; Russet Bush Warbler (Bradypterus seebohmi); both Manchurian Bush Warbler (Cettia canturians) and Japanese Bush Warbler (Cettia diphone) with no mention of the new species except in a note to Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler (Cettia fortipes), “we have retained the form robustipes within this species e.g. Cheng (1987), Meyer de Shauensee (1984) and Inskipp et al. (1996). Sibley and Monroe (1990) and Watson et al (1986) elevated robustipes to species status and included the races of Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler within it. This treatment was followed by Cheng (1994) and Viney et al. (1994). While robustipes may merit species rank as Taiwan Bush Warbler, it appears mistaken to include it within acanthizoides [Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler] (see Sibley and Monroe (1993) and Inskipp et al 1996).” They suggest that the new species Taiwan Bush Warbler (Bradypterus alishanensis) is a split from Brownish-Flanked Bush Warbler (Cettia fortipes) whereas my local sources suggest that it is a split from Russet Bush Warbler (Bradypterus seebohmi). Clements new checklist seems to follow MacKinnon and Phillips but omits Japanese Bush Warbler (Cettia diphone) presumably in favor of Manchurian Bush Warbler (Cettia canturians) while. None of my local sources had ever heard of Manchurian Bush Warbler (Cettia canturians). Hopefully, clarification will follow with further revisions of the Asian Bush Warblers.

Parrotbills

Vinous-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus) and Taiwan’s endemic ssp.P.w.bulomachus are listed by all fieldguides and Clements but there is great disparity in the second rarer Parrotbill. Chang’s guide calls it Orange Parrotbill (Paradoxornis nipalensis), an old name, and lists the endemic ssp.P.n.morrisoniana identified by Ogilvie-Grant. Wild Bird Society of Taipei’s guide calls it Blyth’s Parrotbill (Paradoxornis nipalensis), MacKinnon & Phillipps lumps the Taiwan subspecies with Golden Parrotbill (Paradoxornis verreauxi)and does not include Taiwan in the range for Black-throated Parrotbill (Paradoxornis nipalensis) but note that “some authors include races of Golden Parrotbill within this species (e.g.Cheng 1987)”. Clements follows MacKinnon & Phillipps and lists the Taiwan subspecies under Golden Parrotbill (Paradoxornis verreauxi) and does not include Taiwan in the range for Black-throated Parrotbill in his hard bound copy.

Munias

All field guides and checklists differ on species and ranges. All agree that there are three species of Munia in Taiwan and all agree that two of them are White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata) and Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata) which MacKinnon and Phillipps call Scaly-breasted Munia. According to my local sources these two species are suspected to have been introduced.

However taxonomists differ widely on the third species. Chang’s guide calls it Chestnut Munia (Lonchura malacca) with an endemic ssp.L.m.formosana based on Swinhoe’s early work and gives the range as “common resident in grasslands. Seen from lowlands up to 500m. Commonly found along the east coast.” Wild Bird Society of Taipei as well as MacKinnon & Phillipps calls it Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca) but differ on the range with WBST restricting it to high altitudes and M&P calling it “rather uncommon in tropical lowlands.” Clements takes a completely different approach listing the third species as Chestnut Munia like Chang but with a different Latin name (Lonchura atricapilla) and listing a non-endemic ssp.L.a.formosana (derived from Chang/Swinhoe subspecies?) with a range of Taiwan and the Philippines. To confuse matters further, Clements reports that the Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca) listed by all the other field guides as present in Taiwan is found only in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

garrygeorge@msn.com

Western Europe	North America	Caribbean	Africa	Asia
Eastern Europe	South America	Australasia	Middle East	East Indies