Taiwan - Endemics & Winter Birds

Known to early Portuguese sailors as ‘Isla Formosa’ or ‘the beautiful island’, Taiwan is home to 28 endemic bird species (plus over 55 endemic subspecies), as well as a wide assortment of other east Asian specialities that reside in its well protected forests. Despite this, few Westerners have experienced Taiwan’s birdlife, and this tour will focus on seeing as many special species as possible, whilst on an island blessed with a good infrastructure, intriguing culture and delectable food!

On arrival in Taipei, we have the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with some of the common lowland species before moving to the mountains for a 3-night stay in the Dasyueshan Forest to search for a wide variety of species, including such sought-after endemics as Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasants. At higher elevations we will also look for Taiwan Rosefinch and the endemic Taiwan Fulvetta, whilst at lower elevations we’ll search for such further endemics as Taiwan Hill Partridge, Taiwan Bush-warbler and Taiwan Wrenbabbler. An impressive selection of mid-elevation species is also possible here. Amongst these are the endemic Taiwan Barwing and raptors such as Japanese Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle and Mountain Hawk-eagle. In the evenings we will hope to get good views of a range of Scops-owl species, Savannah Nightjar and Himalayan Wood Owl.

Our next area of focus is the wetland region of Taiwan’s west coast. This is the main wintering ground for almost 2,500 Black-faced Spoonbills and we will enjoy this impressive gathering, as well as the accompanying terns, sandplovers, sandpipers (including Broad-billed Sandpiper) and stints. There is even a chance of Saunders’ Gull, with many other familiar waders and ducks likely. Scrubby embankments can hold Golden-headed Cisticola, Vinous-throated Parrotbill and up to four species of wintering starlings.

We conclude our tour with a visit to the North Coast and a couple of migrant hotspots. One location often holds a variety of thrushes including Dusky and Naumanns, as well as buntings, such as Yellow-throated, Yellow-browed and Red-bellied Blue Rock-Thrush. A coastal promontory could give uncommon Eastern Palearctic visitors such as the delightful Japanese Robin, Bluethroat, Chinese and Japanese Grosbeaks and Grey-tailed Tattler.