A Field Guides Birding Tours Report
TAIWAN 2024
April 30-May 11, 2024 with Phil Gregory & Arcio Huang guiding
This was our third run for the reactivated Taiwan tour, being just the second iteration of the spring trip post-pandemic, with our local organizer being very good and enthusiastic, and knowing the best local sites to visit. The weather was again remarkably kind to us, and we had no significant daytime rain, somewhat to my surprise, whilst temperatures were pretty reasonable even in the mountains- cool at night at Dasyueshan, but in a great birding spot. Fog at the Yushan NP Big Tree was a shame, but at least the mid and lower levels stayed clear and otherwise the lowland sites were all good and nowhere unbearably hot.
Arrival day saw us just do a bit of local birding near the hotel near the airport, with Taiwan Barbet as the first endemic, and we set off next day for the mountains at Dasyueshan, taking in the lovely Taiwan Blue Magpie en route plus Black-necklaced and Taiwan Scimitar-babbler and nice views of Taiwan Hwamei and Taiwan Whistling Thrush.
The mountain was very rewarding, with great views of Swinhoe's Pheasant, a pair of Mikado at point blank range (not seen on the two days after either so we were lucky) and Taiwan Partridge, Grey-headed (Black-naped in IOC) and White-backed Woodpecker, both Rusty and Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush, the tame and confiding White-whiskered Laughingthrush, Steere's Liocichla, Yellow Tit, Flamecrest, 3 species of fulvetta, a great look at a singing Taiwan Bush-Warbler, the very vocal Yellowish-flanked Bush-Warbler, Taiwan Shortwing, elusive Taiwan Cupwing, Rufous-faced Warbler and Ferruginous Flycatcher. White-browed Bush-robin also showed well here, now split at last by IOC as Taiwan Bush-robin and obviously distinct to the mainland Asian birds; same comment applies to the distinctive owstoni Spotted Nutcracker, now part of Southern Nutcracker. The surprisingly noisy Reeves's Muntjac or Barking Deer, Taiwan Serow and the relatively enormous White-faced Flying-squirrel added to the mix.
Next came the heights of Hohuanshan in fine weather this year, with lovely looks at Alpine Accentor, Taiwan Barwing and Taiwan Rosefinch, and beautiful atmospheric montane scenery. The nearby lowlands were mist-free and gave the tame Malay Night Heron, the distinctive and striking Maroon Oriole, the rare Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge and more Taiwan Blue Magpie.
Yushan finally gave us good looks at Pygmy Cupwing after much effort, and some of us got onto an elusive and fast-moving Golden Parrotbill. Collared Bush-robin showed well and we saw a pair of Mikado Pheasant by the road on the way out. A 5000-year-old sacred giant tree at Luilin was also incredible to see, simply enormous, and Ashy Wood Pigeon showed well in a gap in the mist.
Heading south, we got the extreme south Taiwan endemic Styan's Bulbul quite easily, then birded some of the lowland areas, being rewarded with Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Oriental Pratincole, Barred Buttonquail and the endemic formosanus taxon of Ring-necked Pheasant. Arco saw what he thought was a buttonquail, but as he drove it out of the weeds it was obviously a dark rail with quite a long bill, my initial thought being Brown-cheeked Rail which is not in the Merlin App. Arco suggested Slaty-legged Crake but bill too short for that, but Slaty-breasted Rail seems to fit quite well. A visit to an eco-farm gave no green pigeons this year, one of the few dips of the tour.
Owling on the tour was productive, with good looks at Collared Owlet in daylight at Dasyueshan, Collared Scops Owl and Northern Boobook at Firefly Lodge, and two roosting Collared Scops at a Community Park near Hengchun. Some also saw Mountain Scops at Green House but most of us were too tired to go out again there, though we did hear them close by at Dasyueshan.
A huge saltpan area at Budai gave a good count of 40+ Black-faced Spoonbill, plus Pied Avocet, Curlew Sandpiper, summer plumage Siberian and Tibetan Sandplover, Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Caspian, Whiskered, Gull-billed and Little Tern. That afternoon came the exciting visit to the site for Fairy Pitta, where an easy short walk with Acai, the local guide, gave us a great look at this beautiful rarity. We followed that with some celebratory beers at the Pitta Café, then Vinous-throated Parrotbill in the weedy drainage channel opposite. Our journey back to the airport was enlivened by our only Brown Bullfinch and great looks at Rusty Laughing-thrush, Steere’s Liocichla, Taiwan Barwing and White-tailed Robin at Xitou Nature Education Park, and news of Chinese Egret at Gaomei wetland near Taichung, where I duly found a breeding dress bird, along with Chestnut Munia, Oriental Reed Warbler and Grey-tailed Tattler as the final additions to the trip.
We used a varied assortment of local eating places with primarily local menus, with assorted rice and noodle dishes. The food was a highlight in fact, as it was varied, often delicious and best of all served quickly whilst being both hot and fresh. A nice adjunct to the trip, working for the as ever varied dietary preferences and avoided losing lots of time with elaborate meals.
Following recent research, Taiwan now has 29 endemics with Clements and 34 with the IOC’s more progressive checklist, and an extraordinary 56 endemic subspecies, so there is a good haul for listers and many spectacular birds, with Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasant as iconic birds, and Fairy Pitta a great addition. Altogether, it was a great success from the birding point of view, having good views of almost all the endemics, bar Taiwan Thrush (which Arco alone saw, though Taiwan Bullfinch only showed badly), with an additional bonus species of Chinese Egret as we were heading to the airport at the tour end.
Taiwan is a beautiful country, with great scenery, some attractive hotels, enjoyable cuisine and friendly people, with a very interesting culture- those Daoist temples are something else! A few extra days sightseeing before or after the trip is recommended. When I arrived at 0200 from Narita I got in a long queue and had been given no arrival card, I found one lying on a desk and started to fill it in, when the woman in front pointed out that it was already partly filled in Chinese script, whereupon she reached into her bag and handed me a new one! People were always pleased to see us and we got greeted by many passers-by and introduced to sundry toddlers, they are amazingly welcoming to tourists. I got handed a peach from a bag by a total stranger at one place; these kind of small kindnesses made for a pleasant overall experience.
My thanks to Arco and Luna, our local agents, and to Arco for his energetic guiding as well as helping with the complexities of mealtimes, also to Byo our excellent bus driver, and to Sue and Rowan at Sicklebill Safaris, and Karen at Field Guides for their hard work in putting together this very enjoyable third iteration of the new Taiwan tour. Thanks also to the group for very good company and a positive attitude to the various intricacies of the tour.
A very fine trip, a nice good-humored group, enjoyable and not too strenuous, with some wonderful birds and gorgeous scenery, and an interesting cuisine to sample too, not forgetting the wonderful Daoist temples, a remnant of historic Chinese culture before the Maoists wrecked it all. Why not join us for 2025?
Phil (aka Sicklebill) Tokyo May 2024
Itinerary 2024
Wed May 1 Arrival in Taipei and stayed at City Suites Hotel at Taoyuan.
--Day 1 Thurs May 2 Shimen Reservoir near Taipei / Loiyutan / Dasyueshan km 23, km 29, km 32.5 entry gate, km 43 Lodge area and Km 50 at 8400' or 2700m. Fine conditions and cool nights.
--Day 2 Fri May 3 Dasyueshan Km 50, km 43, gate area, km 39 trail, pm km 50 1500-1730. Fine weather.
--Day 3 Sat May 4 km 50 0530 till 0730, km 49/ Lodge area/ km 30/ km 23, creek and bridge at km 15 after lunch, then to Guguan. Fine weather but clouding up later. O/n Guguan.
--Day 4 Sun May 5 Guguan area/ Suspension bridge/Fushen Farm fields/ Temple of 108 Gods near Puli 1500-1600. Green House Homestay at Puli for 2 nights. Cloudy.
Day 5 Mon May 6 Houhanshan NP- km 24/ summit area at 2975m pr 8500'/ Wuling Farm Forest/Taroko NP visitor Center/ Houhan Farm Trails/ Blue Gate Trail and Cingjing Farm area. O/n Puli Green House. Fine weather
--Day 6 Tues May 7 Tataka Visitor Center Yushan NP/ Giant Tree at Lulin / O/n Firefly Lodge at Kwanghua. Overcast.
--Day 7 Wed May 8 Firefly Lodge and Kwanghua area/Jacana Reserve/Beach at Kenting NP/ Longluan Lake, Hengchun. O/n Riverview. Fine weather
--Day 8 Thurs May 9 Hengchun airport fields / Loinhou Country Park/ Ying-do Farm Pingtung/ Guiren melon fields/ Huben area. O/n Grand Earl Hotel at Douliou. Fine weather.
--Day 9 Fri May 10. Budai Wetlands / Linghoulin Country Park/Huben and Pitta Cafe 1530-1615. O/n Grand Earl Hotel at Douliou. Fine weather.
--Day Sat 10 May 12 Xitou Park 0800-1130 / Gaomei Wetlands, Taichung 1330-1430/ Fine weather. Departures home or on to FG Japan in Spring 2024
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)
A late migrant male at the Jacana site, and 3 at Budai wetlands.
EURASIAN WIGEON (Mareca penelope)
A few late ones at Budai wetlands.
EASTERN SPOT-BILLED DUCK (Anas zonorhyncha)
Widespread in small numbers.
TUFTED DUCK (Aythya fuligula)
One male at Longluan Lake.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
TAIWAN PARTRIDGE (Arborophila crudigularis) [E]
Heard at several hill sites and seen near the entry to Dasyueshan, this can be a tricky one.
MIKADO PHEASANT (Syrmaticus mikado) [E]
Wonderful views of a pair at Km 50 at Dasyueshan; they walked right past us, but were not seen there the next two days. Then a pair by the roadside near the Giant Tree at Yushan, a big target for the trip and not straightforward.
RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus formosanus)
Great views of a couple of males of the endemic race, with rather greyish rump and wings, at the melon field, one chased off a Barred Buttonquail that was walking across! These are the real deal, wild Ring-necked Pheasants and not introduced birds.
SWINHOE'S PHEASANT (Lophura swinhoii) [E]
Wonderful looks at Dasyueshan on several days, a really spectacular bird.
TAIWAN BAMBOO-PARTRIDGE (Bambusicola sonorivox) [E]
Heard at several lowland sites, and seen at the Temple of 108 Gods at Puli.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (LITTLE) (Tachybaptus ruficollis poggei)
Seen at the Jacana Reserve and Budai wetlands, small numbers.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Small numbers of Feral Pigeons seen in the urban areas throughout.
ASHY WOOD-PIGEON (Columba pulchricollis)
Seen at Km 50 at Dasyueshan, and then very nicely in a gap in the fog at the Giant Tree at Yushan.
ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia orientalis orii)
Small numbers seen most days.
RED COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia tranquebarica humilis)
Small numbers except for around 20 each day at Hengchun and the Jacana site.
SPOTTED DOVE (EASTERN) (Spilopelia chinensis chinensis)
Small numbers most days; this is the eastern taxon which is split by BirdLife.
ASIAN EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica)
One at the Huben Pitta track.
WHITE-BELLIED GREEN-PIGEON (Treron sieboldii sieboldii) [*]
Heard distantly near the entry gate at Dasyueshan.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LESSER COUCAL (Centropus bengalensis lignator)
Seen at the Jacana Centre.
LARGE HAWK-CUCKOO (Hierococcyx sparverioides) [*]
Heard at Dasyueshan and Xitou but typically would not fly by.
ORIENTAL CUCKOO (Cuculus optatus)
Heard up at Dasyueshan, and a single was seen flying at Long Luan Lake.
Apodidae (Swifts)
PACIFIC SWIFT (Apus pacificus kurodae)
One over at Kenting NP, and some saw one earlier.
HOUSE SWIFT (Apus nipalensis kuntzi)
Widespread in small numbers.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
SLATY-BREASTED RAIL (Lewinia striata)
This was a big surprise at the melon fields. Arco thought he saw a buttonquail and was flushing it back across across the road, but when it stepped out it was a rail with quite a long bill and some red on the head. I initially thought Brown-cheeked, but Slaty-breasted seems a better fit. It is a very difficult bird to see on Taiwan, a lifer for almost all of us. I'd only seen a probable in Thailand many years ago.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)
Four day records of 2 or 3 birds from the wetland sites.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)
Just 3 at Long Luan Lake.
WHITE-BREASTED WATERHEN (Amaurornis phoenicurus)
One in a lotus pond at Puli.
SLATY-LEGGED CRAKE (Rallina eurizonoides) [*]
Heard at night at Firefly Lodge, a Taiwan tick for Phil.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)
A few at the Jacana site, Budai and Gaomei Wetlands.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)
70 at Budai Wetlands.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
One at Budai Wetlands.
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva)
One at the Jacana site and 45 at Budai wetlands, nice to see in summer plumage
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (CURONICUS) (Charadrius dubius curonicus)
One at the Jacana site and one at Gaomei wetlands.
SIBERIAN SAND-PLOVER (Anarhynchus mongolus mongolus)
30 at Budai wetlands, mostly in their attractive summer plumage.
TIBETAN SAND-PLOVER (Anarhynchus atrifrons atrifrons)
Two at Budai wetlands were a surprise, in full summer plumage with black foreheads; a Taiwan tick for me and maybe the first time I've seen this recently split taxon in this plumage.
KENTISH PLOVER (KENTISH) (Anarhynchus alexandrinus alexandrinus)
8 at Budai wetlands.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
PHEASANT-TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)
25 at the Jacana Center, including quite a few in full pheasant-tailed breeding dress, very striking indeed. Very local in Taiwan.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)
Just 2 at Budai and one at Gaomei wetlands.
GRAY-TAILED TATTLER (Tringa brevipes)
4 at Gaomei wetlands were the final addition to the triplist.
COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus)
4 at Budai wetlands.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia)
2 at Long Luan Lake, 6 at Budai and 1 at Gaomei.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
2 at Budai wetlands were surprisingly a Taiwan tick for Phil.
BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER (Calidris falcinellus sibirica)
A good find at Budai were two of this very scarce migrant, the first I've seen in Taiwan.
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata)
6 at Budai wetlands.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea)
16 at Budai wetlands, some in breeding dress.
LONG-TOED STINT (Calidris subminuta)
One from Budai wetlands was a good find.
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis)
6 at Budai with one or two coming into breeding plumage.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
BARRED BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix suscitator rostratus)
One flushed at Hengchun airport fields, the rusty flanks seen well, then two at the melon fields at Guiren, one flushed up from a ditch as we pursued the Slaty-breasted Rail, and another walking out across the field where it got attacked by a Ring-necked Pheasant! A Taiwan tick for Phil.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE (Glareola maldivarum)
6 at the Jacana site and 5 at Budai.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons)
20 at Budai wetlands.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)
2 at Budai wetlands were a new Taiwan bird for Phil; it seems uncommon here.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
50 at Budai wetlands.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)
Good numbers at Budai wetlands, many in summer plumage.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
CINNAMON BITTERN (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus)
4 from Budai wetlands.
YELLOW BITTERN (Ixobrychus sinensis)
One seen briefly at Budai wetlands.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Quite widespread in small numbers.
MALAYAN NIGHT HERON (Gorsachius melanolophus)
Taiwan is one of the best places to see this scarce species, and we had great looks at the Guguan spa area then at Puli, including at the Temple of 108 Gods, with 1 at Xitou on the last day.
CHINESE EGRET (Egretta eulophotes)
One from the Gaomei wetlands was the subject of a twitch on the last day, as per last year, and we had a good look at one in breeding dress, the nuchal plumes being very bushy and distinctive. A rare species.
LITTLE EGRET (WESTERN) (Egretta garzetta garzetta)
8 day records, the most 20 at Gaomei, where 2 were amongst an Eastern Cattle Egret flock.
CHINESE POND-HERON (Ardeola bacchus)
One colorful summer plumage adult was at Long Luan Lake, the first I've seen in Taiwan too.
EASTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus coromandus)
Seen at most wetland areas, with 50 at Budai the most.
GREAT EGRET (ALBA) (Ardea alba alba)
4 day records with over 100 at Budai, many in the briefly held black-billed breeding plumage, and some with transitional black and yellow bills.
MEDIUM EGRET (Ardea intermedia)
One at Long Luan Lake, then 3 at Gaomei wetland.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea)
Three records of singles.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
EURASIAN SPOONBILL (Platalea leucorodia)
Singles at Budai and Gaomei wetlands.
BLACK-FACED SPOONBILL (Platalea minor)
About 30 at Budai wetlands.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-WINGED KITE (ASIAN) (Elanus caeruleus vociferus)
2 at the Jacana Centre and one at Budai.
CRESTED SERPENT-EAGLE (CRESTED) (Spilornis cheela hoya)
Sightings on 4 days, and heard on another 2, with 3 on day one and 2 birds on two other days.
MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE (NIPALENSIS) (Nisaetus nipalensis nipalensis)
A lucky find from the Temple of 108 Gods at Puli, seen nicely and a Taiwan tick for me, I believe.
BLACK EAGLE (Ictinaetus malaiensis)
One on the first day as we went up Dasyueshan.
EASTERN MARSH HARRIER (Circus spilonotus)
I saw a harrier from the freeway which was presumably this species, a late migrant.
CRESTED GOSHAWK (Accipiter trivirgatus formosae)
One perched at the Shimen magpie site, then 2 day records of singles.
CHINESE SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter soloensis)
One was being mobbed by Bronzed Drongos at km 15 at Dasyueshan. It was called as Oriental Cuckoo but was this species; I saw it go right over me as I went back to the bus, the white underwings with black wing-tips very distinctive and the breast quite colourful orange-pink.
BLACK KITE (BLACK-EARED) (Milvus migrans formosanus)
One at Shimen and 2 at Ying-do farm; this endemic and quite reddish race is quite rare.
Strigidae (Owls)
MOUNTAIN SCOPS-OWL (Otus spilocephalus hambroecki)
Heard very close at Km 42 at Dasyueshan on two outings but stayed unseen, then heard at Green House and seen by those who went out late on the second night.
COLLARED SCOPS-OWL (Otus lettia glabripes)
One was seen at Green House by those who went out late on the second night, then we all got one seen calling at Firefly Lodge, then had two at a day roost at Loinhou Country Park.
COLLARED OWLET (Taenioptynx brodiei pardalotus)
Arco has a site at Dasyueshan and we got a nice daylight view of this diminutive species.
NORTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox japonica florensis)
One seen nicely at Firefly Lodge.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
COMMON KINGFISHER (COMMON) (Alcedo atthis bengalensis)
5 day records; this race is quite dull compared to European birds.
Megalaimidae (Asian Barbets)
TAIWAN BARBET (Psilopogon nuchalis) [E]
Widespread at lower altitudes and one of the first endemics we saw, a very vocal and colorful species.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
GRAY-CAPPED PYGMY WOODPECKER (Yungipicus canicapillus kaleensis)
4 individuals near Guguan, and 1 at Ying-do Farm.
WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER (WHITE-BACKED) (Dendrocopos leucotos insularis)
A single at Dasyueshan on day 2, and a pair there next day, good to see this one nicely.
GRAY-HEADED WOODPECKER (BLACK-NAPED) (Picus canus tancolo)
Heard on the second day then one seen next day at Dasyueshan, this taxon is split by IOC and BirdLife as Black-naped Woodpecker.
Pittidae (Pittas)
FAIRY PITTA (Pitta nympha)
Ah yes, one of the birds of the trip, with mega views of one bird from an easy trail near the Pitta Sanctuary near Linnei. Such a beautiful bird, and pittas (like owls), should count double! The Pitta Cafe nearby was also entertaining and had some nice pitta-related merch.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GRAY-CHINNED MINIVET (Pericrocotus solaris)
Great views at Dasyueshan, Houhanshan and Yushan; the males are wonderful fiery red and black birds.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
WHITE-BELLIED ERPORNIS (Erpornis zantholeuca)
We saw just 2 at Guguan, this is the only member of the Vireo family in the Old World.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE (EAST ASIAN) (Oriolus chinensis diffusus)
Just one seen at Loinhou Country Park.
MAROON ORIOLE (CRIMSON) (Oriolus traillii ardens)
This splendidly colorful bird was seen well at the Temple of 108 Gods near Puli, and again at Pingtung Ying-do farm. This must be a good candidate for a split, as it's crimson and not maroon.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
BLACK DRONGO (Dicrurus macrocercus harterti)
Quite common in the central and southern lowlands.
BRONZED DRONGO (Dicrurus aeneus braunianus)
Seen at the Temple of 108 Gods near Puli, mobbing a Chinese Sparrowhawk at Km 15 at Dasyueshan. and at the Huben Pitta site.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
BLACK-NAPED MONARCH (Hypothymis azurea oberholseri)
Just two on the first day, and heard on a couple of other days.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
BROWN SHRIKE (PHILIPPINE) (Lanius cristatus lucionensis)
4 near Puli, a grey-backed migrant taxon and a potential split.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
EURASIAN JAY (HIMALAYAN) (Garrulus glandarius taivanus)
Seen well at Dasyueshan only, a distinctive endemic taxon split as Plain-capped Jay by BirdLife.
TAIWAN BLUE-MAGPIE (Urocissa caerulea) [E]
Lovely views of 2 at Shimen, and briefly at the Temple of 108 Gods near Puli. A gorgeous colorful endemic.
GRAY TREEPIE (Dendrocitta formosae formosae)
4 day records, from at the lower and mid-levels.
ORIENTAL MAGPIE (Pica serica) [I]
Some of us saw it pre-trip at Gaoyuan by the hotel, then a few saw one at Budai and we saw it again by the hotel on the last day.
EURASIAN NUTCRACKER (SOUTHERN) (Nucifraga caryocatactes owstoni)
A distinctive island race; I am surprised it is not yet split, as it has a largely plain mantle and is quite distinctive. Seen at Dasyueshan and Yushan, where it was very vocal. Now split by IOC and BirdLife as Southern Nutcracker.
LARGE-BILLED CROW (LARGE-BILLED) (Corvus macrorhynchos colonorum)
Small numbers from the lowlands only.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
COAL TIT (CHINESE) (Periparus ater ptilosus)
Seen well at Dasyueshan Houhanshan and Yushan; this race has a small crest and is rather different to European birds.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED TIT (Sittiparus castaneoventris) [E]
Seen well at Guguan with 10 birds; it seems uncommon and is a Taiwanese endemic now that it is split from what was Varied Tit.
GREEN-BACKED TIT (Parus monticolus insperatus)
Small numbers of this attractive species from the lowlands and hills.
TAIWAN YELLOW TIT (Machlolophus holsti) [E]
Very nice looks at 2 at the mid-levels as left Dasyueshan; uncommon endemic, some saw it on the first day too and we all heard it then.
Alaudidae (Larks)
ORIENTAL SKYLARK (Alauda gulgula)
Singing well around the melon fields.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
STRIPED PRINIA (Prinia striata striata) [E]
This proved troublesome but we finally got one nicely near Firefly Lodge. IOC and Birdlife split this as Swinhoe's Prinia too, and it is actually a Taiwan endemic.
YELLOW-BELLIED PRINIA (CHINESE) (Prinia flaviventris sonitans)
Three records, with the first being 4 near Guguan, then heard near Puli and one at Gaomei. It's uncommon, and split by BirdLife as Chinese Prinia.
PLAIN PRINIA (Prinia inornata flavirostris)
The most widespread prinia, seen at several lowland sites.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (DOUBLE ZITTING) (Cisticola juncidis tinnabulans)
Seen well at Long Luan Lake near Hengchun and heard at the Jacana site; this species is long overdue for splitting up as these sure don't sound like the European birds.
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis volitans)
A great view of this pale blonde-headed taxon, an endemic subspecies too.
Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)
ORIENTAL REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus orientalis)
Seen at Gaomei Marsh on the last day.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
TAIWAN BUSH WARBLER (Locustella alishanensis) [E]
A great view of one singing at km 50 at Dasyueshan. It's a quite recently described high altitude endemic and not very common, with no chance of seeing it unless it's singing. It was seen well at Houhanshan too, and heard at Yushan.
Pnoepygidae (Cupwings)
TAIWAN CUPWING (Pnoepyga formosana) [E]
Vocal at the montane sites and eventually seen very well at Yushan after protracted effort, a pleasing reward for persistence. Formerly classified as a wren-babbler but now in their own family.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
GRAY-THROATED MARTIN (Riparia chinensis chinensis)
Only seen at Budai wetlands this trip, with about 15 birds.
PACIFIC SWALLOW (PACIFIC) (Hirundo tahitica namiyei)
Widespread in the lowlands, and juveniles seen.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Small numbers on the lowland days; a nest at the dumpling cafe at Dongshi had 5 youngsters peering out, a very large brood.
ASIAN HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon dasypus)
Five day records from higher altitude areas, starting from the bridge at Dasyueshan.
STRIATED SWALLOW (Cecropis striolata striolata)
6 day records of this large rufous-rumped species with the pale underwing coverts, usually singles but 4 at Kantien.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
BLACK BULBUL (GRAY-WINGED) (Hypsipetes leucocephalus nigerrimus)
Seen a few times in the hill forests, a noisy and attractive bird.
COLLARED FINCHBILL (Spizixos semitorques cinereicapillus)
A very good trip for them with 6 days records from all the montane and hill sites, always just one or 2 birds.
LIGHT-VENTED BULBUL (FORMOSAE/ORII) (Pycnonotus sinensis formosae)
A common species in the lowlands.
STYAN'S BULBUL (Pycnonotus taivanus) [E]
The main reason for going down to Hengchun, and seen well several times. It's a restricted range Taiwan endemic, and sometimes hybridizes with the common Light-vented Bulbul where they overlap.
Scotocercidae (Bush Warblers and Allies)
RUFOUS-FACED WARBLER (Abroscopus albogularis)
This delightful little warbler is the one with the trilling call like a distant telephone; it was seen well at Dasyueshan and Yushan.
YELLOWISH-BELLIED BUSH WARBLER (Horornis acanthizoides concolor)
This one has an amazing ascending high-pitched song, it was quite common by voice in the mountains and we saw them well at Dasyueshan and Houhanshan.
Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)
BLACK-THROATED TIT (BLACK-THROATED) (Aegithalos concinnus concinnus)
This delightful little species with the small bill and short tail was seen at Dasyueshan, Houhanshan and Yushan.
Paradoxornithidae (Parrotbills)
TAIWAN FULVETTA (Fulvetta formosana) [E]
This high altitude endemic was seen at Hohuanshan and then at Yushan; it is low density and quite retiring.
GOLDEN PARROTBILL (Suthora verreauxi morrisoniana)
Oh boy, this one was a trial; we had multiple attempts to see heard birds at Houhanshan and Yushan, but only a few of us were lucky enough to get on one at the latter site. They move rapidly through, and don't really respond to the recording. An endemic subspecies too.
VINOUS-THROATED PARROTBILL (Suthora webbiana bulomacha)
Skulking and hard to see, but we got a couple in long grass opposite the Pitta Cafe, very pleasing. and yet another endemic taxon.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
TAIWAN YUHINA (Yuhina brunneiceps) [E]
Vocal and active in noisy flocks in the montane forest, with a cute brown cap on the crested head. One of the birds of the trip for many.
SWINHOE'S WHITE-EYE (Zosterops simplex simplex) [E]
Widespread, formerly part of Japanese White-eye but now split.
Timaliidae (Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies)
RUFOUS-CAPPED BABBLER (Cyanoderma ruficeps praecognitum)
A vocal species, often heard in the mountains, but only seen at Firefly Lodge.
TAIWAN SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Pomatorhinus musicus) [E]
4 at the Temple of 108 Gods at Puli, and singles from Cing-Jing (alongside the other species of scimitar -babbler) and near Firefly Lodge.
BLACK-NECKLACED SCIMITAR-BABBLER (Erythrogenys erythrocnemis) [E]
We saw this at Shimen Reservoir early in the tour, and again near Starbucks at Cing-Jing as I was on coffee quest!
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
DUSKY FULVETTA (Schoeniparus brunneus brunneus)
An uncommon species, we saw them briefly at km 15 at Dasyueshan, and much better at Firefly Lodge. More often heard than seen.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
MORRISON'S FULVETTA (Alcippe morrisonia) [E]
Seen at Dasyueshan and Yushan, small numbers only.
WHITE-WHISKERED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Trochalopteron morrisonianum) [E]
The exception to the general rule that laughingthrushes are skulkers, this striking species parades around in the open at high altitudes!
WHITE-EARED SIBIA (Heterophasia auricularis) [E]
Very vocal and widespread in the mountains, a rather lovely bird.
TAIWAN BARWING (Actinodura morrisoniana) [E]
A good trip for this uncommon bird; we saw them nicely at Dasyueshan, Houhanshan and Xitou.
STEERE'S LIOCICHLA (Liocichla steerii) [E]
This beautiful bird is quite common in the mountains and we had multiple nice looks.
TAIWAN HWAMEI (Garrulax taewanus) [E]
Arco had a good site en route to Dasyueshan, and we saw it again at Guguan, not common.
RUFOUS-CROWNED LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Pterorhinus ruficeps) [E]
Seen nicely up at Dasyueshan.
RUSTY LAUGHINGTHRUSH (Pterorhinus poecilorhynchus) [E]
Challenging up at the entry gate at Dasyueshan, where we got brief looks in bad light on two days, but it came good at Xitou where 2 birds showed amazingly well. This is always one of the hard ones.
Regulidae (Kinglets)
FLAMECREST (Regulus goodfellowi) [E]
This beautiful high altitude endemic showed nicely at Dasyueshan around km 50 and also at Houhanshan, but was as ever very hard to photograph.
Sittidae (Nuthatches)
EURASIAN NUTHATCH (CHINESE) (Sitta europaea formosana)
2 up at Dasyueshan showed nicely, and yet another endemic taxon.
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
EURASIAN WREN (EURASIAN) (Troglodytes troglodytes taivanus)
2 nicely up at Houhanshan, a dark endemic race.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
BROWN DIPPER (Cinclus pallasii)
2 at Basianshan Mountain Park from the suspension bridge there, and many pleasant encounters with polite and curious locals crossing.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
BLACK-COLLARED STARLING (Gracupica nigricollis)
Some of us saw 2 pre-trip by the hotel, and we had just one near Shimen next day; it's quite uncommon here.
CHESTNUT-TAILED STARLING (EASTERN) (Sturnia malabarica nemoricola)
9 at Ying-Do Farm were the only ones we saw.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)
Fairly common in small numbers.
JAVAN MYNA (Acridotheres javanicus) [I]
The default myna of the trip, seen most days except in the mountains. Strangely enough it's now quite rare in the natural range!
CRESTED MYNA (Acridotheres cristatellus formosanus)
Some of us saw a couple pre-trip at the hotel, then we had 6 near Guguan and one near Puli, it's a scarce and declining endemic taxon.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
TAIWAN THRUSH (Turdus niveiceps) [E*]
Arco saw this twice but none of us got views basically, though we did hear a thrush give an alarm call as a hawk shot through at one site where he had just seen it. This is almost always the trickiest of the endemics.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
FERRUGINOUS FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa ferruginea)
A good trip for them with 3 day records and 5 birds at Yushan, presumably migrants?
ORIENTAL MAGPIE-ROBIN (Copsychus saularis)
Just one record from near the Pitta site at Huben, surprisingly scarce.
WHITE-RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus) [I]
This introduced species seems to be spreading apace; we had them at Guguan, Puli and also at the Pitta site.
TAIWAN VIVID NILTAVA (Niltava vivida) [E]
This beautiful bird is a good songster, and it was seen well at Dasyueshan, Houhanshan and Xitou.
TAIWAN SHORTWING (Brachypteryx goodfellowi) [E]
Heard a few times at Dasyueshan and Houhanshan, and seen quite well at Km 50 after a bit of a duel.
TAIWAN WHISTLING-THRUSH (Myophonus insularis) [E]
Good views of this endemic on several days, and heard on a couple of others.
LITTLE FORKTAIL (Enicurus scouleri fortis)
A few of us saw one on a stream below the Lodge at Dasyueshan, but it proved very elusive.
WHITE-TAILED ROBIN (WHITE-TAILED) (Myiomela leucura montium)
This one showed very well several times at Dasyueshan.
WHITE-BROWED BUSH-ROBIN (TAIWAN) (Tarsiger indicus formosanus)
This is a scarce species and a long overdue split. We saw it on the trail at Dasyueshan and at Yushan. IOC now split it as Taiwan Bush-Robin, another Taiwan endemic.
COLLARED BUSH-ROBIN (Tarsiger johnstoniae) [E]
Eventually seen nicely at Yushan but they were quite unobliging this trip: the Dasyueshan birds were quite distant.
SNOWY-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Ficedula hyperythra innexa)
A good view of one from Dasyueshan, another endemic race.
PLUMBEOUS REDSTART (Phoenicurus fuliginosus affinis)
Seen on two days near Guguan on rocks in the rivers there.
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
PLAIN FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum minullum uchidai)
Good views of one of this nondescript bird at Green House near Puli.
FIRE-BREASTED FLOWERPECKER (TAIWAN) (Dicaeum ignipectus formosum)
Seen as we came down from Houhanshan near Cing-Jing Farm where there is a lot of their food plant, mistletoe.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata)
4 at Budai wetlands: I believe they are native birds here.
WHITE-RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata)
7 on the first day were the only sighting.
CHESTNUT MUNIA (FORMOSANA) (Lonchura atricapilla formosana)
Two at Gaomei Marsh on the last day: this is an uncommon endemic subspecies.
Prunellidae (Accentors)
ALPINE ACCENTOR (Prunella collaris fennelli)
2 great birds in the car park at Houhanshan summit, it was very confiding and surprisingly colorful.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
RUSSET SPARROW (Passer cinnamomeus)
A surprise find near Firefly Lodge and a new Taiwan bird for me: they seem to be slowly spreading.
EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (Passer montanus)
Widespread, the urban sparrow here.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
EASTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (GREEN-HEADED) (Motacilla tschutschensis taivana)
Seen at Guguan and the Jacana Reserve, a fairly distinctive taxon.
WHITE WAGTAIL (CHINESE) (Motacilla alba leucopsis)
Just a few sightings, most around Guguan wetlands.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
TAIWAN ROSEFINCH (Carpodacus formosanus) [E]
Great views up at Dasyueshan and Houhanshan where they were quite tame: a beautiful bird.
BROWN BULLFINCH (BROWN) (Pyrrhula nipalensis uchidai)
One on the last morning at Xitou, it seems uncommon.
TAIWAN BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula owstoni) [E]
Brief looks in bad light atop a tree at Dasyueshan Km 50; at least it was calling so we could identify it.
MAMMALS
FORMOSAN ROCK MACAQUE (Macaca cyclopis) [E]
Surprisingly few, but seen well at Yushan as they sat by the road.
PALLAS'S RED-BELLIED SQUIRREL (Callosciurus erythraeus)
The common squirrel seen at most forest sites.
FORMOSAN STRIPED SQUIRREL (Tamiops maritimus)
Seen a couple of times at Dasyueshan, a small arboreal one.
GIANT FLYING SQUIRREL SP. (Petaurista alborufus)
The surprisingly large White-faced Flying-Squirrel was vocal and easily seen at night at Dasyueshan, video on my FB page.
YELLOW-THROATED MARTEN (Martes flavigula)
One very briefly at Dasyueshan, scuttling across as we looked downslope.
MUNTJAC SP. (Muntiacus reevesi)
Quite common and vocal at Dasyueshan, the hoarse bark was often heard.
TAIWAN SEROW (Capricornis swinhoei) [E]
Fantastic views of this strange goat-antelope from Dasyueshan, video on my FB page.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A very interesting and enjoyable tour. The star birds much as expected, with the pheasants, Fairy Pitta, Taiwan Blue Magpie and Taiwan Yuhina as stars and Chinese Egret as a late addition!
Vivien, Roger, Jane and I had 3 species not see on the tour near the City Suites Hotel at Taoyuan pre-trip: Asian Brown Flycatcher, White-shouldered Starling and what I now think was a Eurasian Sparrowhawk due to the notched tail.
Also a some nice butterflies (albeit a lot less than last year due to a late spring), though unless distinctive or photographed generally left unidentified, hence few blues, yellows, or skippers. The i-Naturalist site was a great help here with some Taiwanese butterfly experts being very helpful:
Red Helen (Papilio helenus),
Chinese Windmill (Byasa alcinous),
Six-bar Swordtail (Pazala euros),
Lime Butterfly (Papilio dem),
Chinese Peacock (Papilio bianor)
Formosan Swallowtail (Papilio thaiwanus),
Common Albatross (Appias paulina),
Indian Cabbaga White (Pieris canidia),
Cabbage White (Pieris rapae),
Orange Migrant (Catopsila scylla),
Great Orange-tip (Hebemoia glaucippe),
Single-ring Bush-brown (Mycalesis sangaica)
Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda)
Common Tiger (Danaus genutia)
Two-band Crow (Euploea sylvester)
Blue-banded King Crow (Euploea eunice)
Purple Crow (Euploea tulliolus)
Asian Beak (Libythea lepitha)
Scarce Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis xanthomelas)
Asian Comma (Polygonia c-aureum)
Herps were largely absent beyond some skinks at Yushan.
A tiny turtle I rescued from the road near Hengchun airport was a Chinese Thread Turtle (Ocadia sinensis). I put it into some aquatic vegetation by the river.
Totals for the tour: 174 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa