JFC's Birding: TAIWAN 15th November, 2013 to 29th November, 2013

TAIWAN

15th November, 2013 to 29th November, 2013

J.F.Cooper, D.Cooper and Ms. B. Kay.

All the photographs were taken by ourselves.

Itinerary

15th November: After leaving LHR on the 13th on an overnight flight with a change at Hong Kong we finally arrived at Taipei airport during the early evening on the 14th. Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of British GMT. We had previously made a reservation at a new hotel in nearby Taoyuan City as they had a free shuttlebus service from the airport and the shuttle was at the airport to meet us. Taoyuan City was a real oriental city full of Chinese neon flashing lighting.

We had also arranged for a hire car with an English Sat.Nav. to be at the hotel from 8.30 am on the 15th and this arrived on time. By 9.00 am we were on the road heading to the lowland Huisun Forest Reserve a drive of some 3.5 hrs. and thanks to the Sat. Nav. we found it easily and quickly booked our accommodation for one night, within the reserve, and after dropping off our bags we were quickly out birding staying out until dusk.

Entrance to Huisun Forest Reserve.

Entrance road leading into the Huisun Forest Reserve.

16th November: Out at dawn, and spent all morning in the Huison Forest Reserve, first covered the area around the accommodation block which was extremely successful with a party of Blue Magpies coming into the lights around the block looking for moths. Also 2 extremely confiding Malayan Night Herons feeding on the grassy lawns. We then covered a number of other areas until mid-day when we then left for the 2 hour drive to Wushe which is situated at a higher altitude, and after booking into a home-stay type accommodation we had time to visit the Beidongyueshan forest trail, with the highlight being 2 superb male Swinhoe's Pheasants, White's Thrush and a White-tailed Robin.

En-route we visited a Chinese temple.

Two views taken from the lookout at the Huison Forest Reserve.

Taiwan temple.

17th November: After another bad night due to jet-lag and traffic noise, we drove up to KM14 and turned left at the police station to the Blue Gate trial which is at a higher altitude than yesterday's trail, probably around 7,000 ft.

We spent all morning walking this trail in fine sunny and warm weather, before driving back down to Wushe where we had some lunch and bird-watch from our balcony at the home-stead. Because of our bad night, we decided to change our accommodation and we booked into a large yellow lodge which was situated back from the road. Highlights were a male Swinhoe's Pheasant along the Blue Gate trail.

During the afternoon, we drove right up to the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft. and birded various areas around several car-parks, with the highlights being 2 Flamecrests and 3 Vinaceous Rosefinches. Unfortunately no sign of any Alpine Accentors or Golden Parrotbills which due to the fine weather, both species may still be at a higher altitude and not yet forced down due to cold weather.

Views taken at the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft.

18th November: Another bad night due to jet-lag, although we now couldn't hear any traffic noise so at least that was an improvement. Another fine clear calm morning and out at dawn for another visit to the Blue Gate trail and we walked the entire trail and also went onto the Continuation trail. Highlights were 2-3 Taiwan Shortwings which were extremely difficult to see, but were heard singing and with tape play-back they at long last gave them selves up, but proved impossible to photograph. Also heard singing but untickable views as it shot across the trail was a Taiwan Wren-Babbler, at least we know they are here. Also a flock of 25+ Barwings very active, nice views also of an adult male White-backed Woodpecker and 2 superb looking Yellow Tits. So several new ticks for us.

During the afternoon we drove back down the road to below Wushe and visited Chun Yang Farm where we spent the afternoon until dusk. This is a farm with tea plantations which has experimented in growing tea amongst lowland scrub allowing birds, plants etc to thrive. They encourage visitors and have made an excellent walking trial around the farm. Good numbers of birds were present and in places the lowland scrub became very dense. An interesting area and good views of our first Collared Finchbills a real chunky looking bird. Also good views of several White-eared Sibias.

Entrance to the Blue Gate trail.

19th November: A much better night and must have slept for over 8 hours. Out by dawn and drove to the Beigongyueseshan trail and walked the whole trail right up to the tea plantation and back. Highlights being Swinhoe's Pheasants, both Indian Black and Mountain Hawk Eagles, Dusky Fulvetta, several White's Thrushes and David had a male Snowy-browed Flycatcher.

Entrance to the Beigongyueseshan trail.

We then drove up to the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft. where we birded until dusk, with the highlights included a Flamecrest, 2 superb male Collared Bush Robins, our first Beavan's Bullfinch and 6 Vinaceous Rosefinches.

Along the Beigongyueseshan trail.

Hehuanshan Pass.

View from the Hehuanshan Pass.

20th November: Out at dawn and drove to the Blue Gate trail. Stayed to 10.00 am with the highlights being 2 Taiwan Wren Babblers, one of which showed briefly although very well coming right out in the open and sat on a pipe for a few seconds. We then returned back to the lodge at Wushe to pack as we were driving to Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, where we arrived around 2.00 pm.

After booking our accommodation for the next four nights in a wooden chalet, at the Forest Reserve HQ, we drove further up the mountain to KM 47 which is the Mikado Pheasant stakeout. Stayed out to dark before returning back to the lodge for a meal. The Mikado Pheasants came out of the forest at around 4.45 pm and fed on grain by the side of the road until dark. Had to set the camera on a very high ISO in the hope that my pictures will come out sharp.

Two views of the Blue Gate trail.

David and Brenda along the Blue Gate trail.

21st November: Out at dawn and walked around the accommodation sites looking for birds coming to lights for moths. We then drove down to the entrance gate which was unfortunately still shut. We checked a couple of sites along the road and returned back to the Anmashan Dasyueshan Centre. We covered a number of sites at various altitudes which included driving to the top and walked to the summit lake and birded the general area. We also visited KM47 again during the late afternoon, and spent an hour at a nearby gully photographing Robins.

Highlights included the pair of Mikado Pheasants and exceptional views of both White-browed and Collared Bush Robins.

View taken from the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

22nd November : Up and out at dawn and drove down to 23.5 Km for the stake-out of Swinhoe's Pheasants seeing a male on the route down. After an hour watching at the stake-out we then visited a nearby fruiting tree. We then drove further down leaving the forest and visited an agricultural area by a river with plenty of secondary scrub, at around 12 Km. We then drove right back up to the summit at Km 50 and visited a number of sites and just at dusk stopping at Km 47 and the Mikado's were again performing and we stopped the car barely 10ft from them and they completely ignored us.

Another view taken from the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest.

23rd November : We decided to make an early morning visit to the summit, so after a look around the accommodation block at dawn hoping for White-throated Laughingthrushes coming for moths at the lights, we drove up to the 50 Km and walked up a couple of hundred steps to the view point in beautiful calm sunny weather. No Parrotbills or Flamecrests, but on the way back down a party of House Swifts which included at least 3 Silver-backed Needletails which performed for around 30 minutes zooming around in the blue skies, and this more than compensated for not seeing any Parrotbills.

Drove back to the accommodation block and we were just about to walk the forest trail behind the police station when I decided I had to return to our cottage with an upset stomach. This was well timed, as a party of Rusty Laughingthrushes had turned up right outside our cottage. We spent an hour photographing these, and decided during the last hour of daylight to visit the Office administration block and walk the tree-nursery trail. Although not too many birds seen, as we were working our way back to the car, a Taiwan Wren Babbler suddenly appeared and showed very well although too dark for photography.

View taken from the summit at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

The Summit Lake.

David at the summit still hoping for Golden Parrotbill in the bamboo.

24th November : A day for moving on. Up before dawn for a quick visit to the nearby Tree-nursery at the back of the Office block about 10 minutes away, hoping for some more views of yesterday's Taiwan Wren Babbler and we managed to obtain some record shots of this extremely difficult bird to see yet alone to photograph. Also a nice little party of Olive-backed Pipits.

Our final view of a fabulous reserve at Dasyueshan Amnashan.

Moving on to the Firefly Lodge and we stopped off on the way down at trail 210 which has been closed off due to a land slide. Even so we walked along it for a short distance in case there were any White-throated Laughingthrushes without success, but nice views of some Silver-backed Needletails zooming overhead and 2 Crested Goshawks showed well. It was now time to set the Sat.Nav for our longish drive to the Firefly Lodge at Alishan. Mr Liu the owner wanted us there by 3.00 pm the latest to take us to his hide and after a difficult drive along very narrow bendy lanes we made it by 2.30 pm and was soon drinking green tea in his superb lodge, a bit of luxury at long last. Mr Liu, a superb gentleman and conservationist has created his own nature reserve and has erected a couple of hides for seeing the pheasants etc. He also took us out in the evening, to look for Mountain Scops Owl.

Firefly Lodge with the nature reserve behind.

25th November : We birded in the Firefly Lodge grounds for a couple of hours and then departed stopping at a couple of sites which Mr.Liu had given us, and although we saw a number of species nothing out of the ordinary. We decided to visit Yushan National Park, another mountainous site, and on arrival we immediately connected with a nice flock of birds including Coat Tits and more importantly some excellent views of several Flamecrests. Unable to book accommodation in the Park, we had to return to Alishan, and booked into a tourist hotel which proved quite noisy and over-priced.

View of the Firefly Lodge area.

Above some of the clouds at Yushan National Park.

26th November : Left the tourist hotel early and drove back to Alishan to check on the fruiting trees along the roadside. No sign of any Island Thrushes but 65 Eye-browed Thrushes were seen. An Indian Black Eagle put on a superb performance hunting for around 20 minutes directly below us.

We then made the long journey back to Wushe where we spent the evening along the road near the Km 4 marker with a pair of Siberian Rubythroats proving the highlight. Booked back into the Yellow lodge in Wushe.

27th November : Out just before dawn to check the secondary scrub directly behind our lodge and much to our surprise we discovered a roost of Vinous-throated Parrotbills which gave views when they left their roost almost in the dark. A Taiwan Hwamei started to sing and was soon located and a Korean Bush Warbler was seen leaving the roost. Three useful ticks all within a few minutes.

We decided to make a morning visit to Chun Yung Farm, with the highlight being a Brown Shrike. During the afternoon, we again visited Blue Gate trail, and also stopped off at a deserted car-park with a good scrubby area on our way back to Wushe.

Chun Yung Farm.

28th November : Out before dawn to again check the roost site behind our lodge at Wushe. We had decided to make a morning return visit to the Hehuanshan Pass to look for Golden Parrotbill and Alpine Accentor and then move onto Taroko Pass. On our drive up, we first stopped off at Km 18 which was the scrubby area behind the deserted car-park where we stopped briefly late yesterday afternoon. It proved a good sight with superb views of a White's Thrush so we spent an hour photographing this.

As we continued on the drive up to the Hehuanshan Pass, we quickly ran into dense fog and as we drove higher we ran into snow as well and the road became quite icy. As we finally arrived at the summit at around 10,000 ft, it became very difficult with lots of cars stopping and the fog was now dense. David took a short break from driving, but birding was impossible and conditions were getting worse.

We therefore decided it would be safer if we tried to drive on towards Taroko Pass, luckily very few cars were driving on over the pass and as we drove down we ran out of the snow but still had the thick fog to compete with. As we dropped down to the spectacular Taroko Gorge we finally ran out of the fog and was able to stop by a boardwalk and walk along the Gorge to enjoy the views and we located 2 Little Forktails on the river. We drove onto a nearby town which is a stake-out for the endemic Taiwan Bulbuls. We soon located a flock of Bulbuls but these appeared to be mainly hybrids with the introduced Chinese Bulbul. We then drove on to a nearby village where we had been told that the Taiwan Bulbul was still present here with no sign of any hybrids and we located a number of Bulbuls and all appeared to be the endemic form. We now drove north for about 100 km's until we came to a large spa town where we were able to find a good hotel to spend the night. We even manage to buy a burger and chips.

Taroko Pass.

29th November : Woke early and was soon driving the short distance to Wulai. We were trying to find the Ulay Cable Car Station, as the hillside opposite is a favourite site for the local birders. A party of Taiwan Blue Magpies were seen from the road. We were soon birding on the hillside and met up with a number of local birders. Not too many birds were present although 2 Mugimaki Flycatchers and a large flock of Grey-chinned Minivets were the highlights. We then drove to the Waterfall trail and walked the entire trail and back.
Late afternoon drive to Taoyuan where we handed back the car after dark in preparation for our departure for LHR next morning.

Waterfall at the Ulay Cable Car Station.

Waterfall Trail at Wulai.

Systematic List

Taiwan Hill Partridge Arborophila crudigularis
This endemic resident on Taiwan, was seen on three dates with a single bird flushed from close range along the Blue Gate trail on the 18th, a superb party of 12 were watched at close range at dusk for 20 minutes from the hide at the Firefly lodge on the 24th, and finally 2 were seen on the 25th close to the Firefly lodge.

Taiwan Hill Partridge taken at dusk from the bird hide at Firefly Lodge.

Swinhoe's Pheasant Lophura swinhoii

Another endemic resident in the mountains of Taiwan and was recorded on six occasions. With 2 males and 1 female seen along the Beidongyueshan forest walk on the 16th, 1 male seen along the Blue Gate trail on the 17th, 2 females showed well along the Beidongyueshan forest walk on the 19th, 3 males and 6 females showed at very close range during the early morning at the Anmashan Dasyueshan Forest Reserve stake-out on the 22nd, 7 including 1 ad. male and 1 immature male from the hide at the Firefly lodge on the 24th and a male seen by the road-side near the Firefly lodged on the 25th.

Adult male Swinhoe's Pheasant at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve stake-out.

Female Swinhoe's Pheasants from the bird hide at the Firefly lodge.

Male Swinhoe's Pheasant from the bird-hide at the Firefly lodge.

Mikado Pheasant Symaticus mikado

A pair, of this endemic pheasant of high mountain forests in Taiwan, were seen on three evenings at very close range at a stake-out at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve on the 20th, 21st and 22nd. On the 22nd, we were able to approach them to 10ft. using the car as a hide, and the pair carried on feeding completely ignoring the car and the camera clicking

JFC photographing the Mikado Pheasants at dusk.

Mikado Pheasants at the stake-out at Km47. Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Malayan Night Heron Gorsachius melanolophus

Two were seen during the early morning on the 16th, feeding out in the open on lawns close to the administration buildings at the lowland Huisun Forest Reserve and giving exceptional views.

JFC enjoying some superb views.

Malayan Night Heron in the Huisun Forest Reserve.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

An adult was stood on an island in the river as we approached Wuali on the 29th.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A single bird seen on the 15th, with 2 on the 29th.

Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus

Seen on 5 dates whilst driving from one site to the next with a daily maximum of 40 on the 20th.

Great White Egret Casmerodius albus

Race modestus (which probably merits full species status ie Eastern Great White Egret), winters on Taiwan.

As with the previous specie, seen from the car whilst driving from one site to the next. Recorded on 6 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 28th.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Just a single bird seen on the river at Wuali on the 29th.

Looking down on a Little Egret on the river at Wulai.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

One belonging to the race japonensis was seen on the 17th along the Blue Gate trail.

Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus

Just 3 seen on the 29th as we were driving away from Wuali.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela

Endemic Taiwan race hoya with 2 being seen on the 25th on the drive to Yushan National Park and 3 seen on the 29th soaring over the waterfall trail near Wuali.

Crested Serpent Eagle soaring over the waterfall trail at Wuali.

Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus

Endemic Taiwan race formosae was recorded on 6 dates chiefly in the highlands. With pairs seen displaying at two separate locations.

Pair of Crested Goshawks showing size difference between the sexes.

Crested Goshawks over trail 201 in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Just a single individual seen on the 26th near Alishan.

Indian Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis

Singles were on four dates, on the journey to the Husion Forest Reserve on the 15th, along the Beigongyueseshan trail on the 19th, on the 20th on the drive to the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve and finally an adult performed superbly for 20 minutes along the valley near Alishan on the 26th.

Looking down on an adult Indian Black Eagle near Alishan .

Mountain Hawk Eagle Nisaetus nipalensis

One seen on the 19th along the Beigongyueseshan trail, and four were soaring very high over the waterfall trail near Wuali on the 29th.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

Just a single bird seen on the drive on the 16th.

Ashy Woodpigeon Columba pulchricollis

A single bird seen on the 18th along the Blue Gate trail, with 2 there on the 20th. One seen at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve on the 22nd, with two near the Firefly lodge on the 25th.

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis

Resident Taiwan endemic race orii was recorded on five dates with a daily maximum of 25 on the 26th chiefly in the Wushe area.

Oriental Turtle Dove at Chung Yung Farm.

Oriental Turtle Dove near Firefly lodge.

Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica

Odd birds were seen whilst driving between various sites on 3 dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 28th.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

The resident Taiwan race formosana was chiefly recorded around habitation on 7 dates but never more than 6 on a day.

Spotted Dove of the race formosana at the Firefly Lodge.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

A single bird showed well as it was feeding in the road on our journey to the Firefly lodge on the 24th.

White-bellied Green Pigeon Teron sieboldii

A party of 30 were present during the morning of the 27th at Chun Yung Farm.

White-bellied Green Pigeon at Chun Yung Farm, Wushe.

Mountain Scops Owl Otus spilocephalus

We were taken out by Mr. Liu at the Firefly lodge where we spotlighted one of the Taiwan endemic race hambroecki, at very close range for some 20 minutes on the 24th. Superb.

Mountain Scops Owl near the Firefly Lodge.

Silver-backed Needletail Hirundapus cochinchinensis

3+ were seen with House Swifts for around an hour on the 23rd, at the summit of the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve often flying high over the mountain tops, with 6 showing well, lower down this Forest Reserve at trail 210 on the 24th.

House Swift Apus nipalensis

The Taiwan resident endemic race kuntzi was seen 8 dates in reasonable numbers with a daily maximum of 70 on the 20th.

Taiwan Barbet Megalaima nuchalis

This endemic species to Taiwan was seen at various locations in small numbers on 9 dates, with a daily maximum of 4 on the 27th. It was recorded in forest clearings but also in gardens around habitation. It was often seen feeding on berries low down and gave excellent views.

Taiwan Barbet at the Huisun Forest Reserve.

Taiwan Barbet in a village near Tarok Gorge.

Taiwan Barbet c.8km south of Taroko River.

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus

A surprise find was one of the race tancolo near the Firefly lodge on the 26th.

Grey-headed Woodpecker near Firefly lodge.

White-backed Woodpecker Denidrocopos leucotos

A fine male of the Taiwan endemic race insularis was finally traced down along the Blue Gate trail on the 18th and gave good telescope views and this proved to be a clawback for DC.

Grey-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris

The race griseogularis was recorded in small numbers on 5 dates, but on the 29th a large flock numbering

80+ were moving around the forest at Wulai.

Male and Female Grey-chinned Minivets at Wulai.

Male Grey-chinned Minivet at Chun Yung Farm.

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

A superb adult male of the lucionensis was seen on the 27th at Chun Yung Farm.

Adult male Brown Shrike of the race lucionensis at Chun Yung Farm.

Our only sighting of the trip.

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

The resident Taiwan endemic race harterti was seen whilst driving across lowland agricultural areas on four dates, although was probably under-recorded on other drives, with a daily maximum of 8 on the drive on the 24th.

Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus

The montane Taiwan endemic braunianus was identified on just four dates with a daily maximum of 8 on the 16th.

Bronzed Drongo at Huisun.

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea

Two of the resident Taiwan endemic race oberholseri, were found in the agricultural area on the 22nd at the 12Km road marker below the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Jay Garrulus glandarius

This Taiwan resident endemic race taivanus was recorded on 8 dates, but never more than 4 on a day.

Jay of the Taiwan race taivanus on the hillside at Ulay.

Taiwan Blue Magpie Urocissa caerulea

This Taiwan endemic species of low montane forests, proved to be an early highlight of our trip. With four seen arriving during the evening near the entrance gate to the Huisun Forest Reserve, with seven the following morning including a party of 6 at dawn around our accommodation block at this Forest Reserve where they came in attracted by the lights and were looking for moths etc. and gave close superb views.

Eight were seen as we were driving along the river leading into Wulai on the 29th.

Taiwan Blue Magpie around the accommodation block at the Huisun Forest Reserve.

These pictures were taken just before dawn in half light.

Grey Treepie Dendrocitta formosae

Recorded in small numbers almost daily with the daily maximum of 20 on the 22nd.

Grey Treepie at the Huisun Forest Reserve.

Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes

Two races can occur in Taiwan the nominate race and also an endemic race owstoni which is less spotted and was the race which we saw in the highlands. Two were seen on the 21st at the summit at Km50 road marker at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, with 6 near this site on the 23rd. Three gave good views at the summit at Yushan National Park on the 25th.

Nutcracker of the race owstoni at the summit of the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve,

Nutcracker at the summit of the Yushan National Park.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

Recorded on just seven dates with never more than 4 on a day.

Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus

Taiwan endemic race insperatus was very much a flock bird with one or two seen with most flocks. Recorded in small numbers on 10 dates but never more than 3 on a day.

Green-backed Tit in the Huisun Forest Reserve.

Coal Tit Periparus ater

Taiwan endemic race ptilosus was only seen at the Yushan National Park where we had at least 20 in a large mixed flock of birds.

Coal Tit at Yushan National Park.

Yellow Tit Parus holsti

This delightful resident is a Taiwan endemic of mid-elevation of montane forests. We recorded it on just five days with a daily maximum of just 4 on the 19th chiefly along the Beigongyueseshan trail.

Yellow Tit at Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Varied Tit Poecile varius

This distinctive Taiwan endemic race castaneoventris often considered by some authorities to be a full specific specie known as Taiwan Varied Tit was only seen on three dates all singles on the 15th and 16th at the Huisun Forest Reserve, and on the 29th in the forests near Wulai.

Varied Tit in the Huison Forest Reserve

not the easiest bird to photograph, high up in a dark pine forest.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

Race japonica was just recorded in small numbers on two dates with 10 on the 20th where they appeared to be breeding near Wushe and 1 on the 26th at Chung Yung Farm.

Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica

Race namiyei was recorded daily with the exception of when we were at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve. Our daily maximum was around 50 on the 28th.

Pacific Swallow at Firefly Lodge.

Asian House Martin Delichon dasypus

Race nigrimentale was recorded on 10 dates with birds visiting their nests at Little England near Wushe and also seen from the summit at 10,000 ft at Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve. Daily maximum was 50 on the 24th.

Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus

This striking tit was recorded on 10 dates often in reasonable size parties which quickly moved through the area. Daily maximum was 30 on the 19th.

Black-throated Tit at Km 4 near Wushe.

Black-throated Tit at Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera

Just a single bird of the Taiwan endemic race striata was seen on the 26th above Wushe at Km 4 road marker in scrub.

Striated Prinia at Wushe.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata

The Taiwan endemic race flavirostris was recorded on 3 dates chiefly behind the yellow lodge at Wushe where we were staying.

Collared Finchbill Spizixos semitorques

The Taiwan endemic race cinereicapillus is chiefly restricted in the South of Taiwan, and we recorded it in fair numbers on 5 dates as follows: 14 on the 18th at Chun Yang Farm, 15 on the 22nd at the agricultural plot at Km 12 below the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, 6 on the 25th near the Firefly Lodge, 15 at Km 4 road marker above Wushe on the 26th and 3 on the 27th again at Chun Yung Farm.

Collared Finchbill at Chun Yang Farm.

Collared Finchbill near Wushe.

Chinese Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis

Race formosae was recorded in fair numbers on 10 dates but mainly missing from the montane forests. Daily maximum of 25 on the 28th.

Chinese Bulbul at Firefly Lodge.

Taiwan Bulbul Pycnonotus taivanus

Endemic to S and E Taiwan but unfortunately hybridisation with Chinese Bulbul has made this endemic specie to be classified as vulnerable. Whilst we were in the East on the 28th we checked out one stake-out, but we could only find hybrids, so we quickly drove on to a second site which was a small village on an agricultural plain and soon located around 15 Taiwan Bulbuls without seeing any hybrids which was encouraging.

Flock of presumed mainly Taiwan x Chinese Bulbul hybrids at Taroko Gorge.

One of the more convincing Taiwan Bulbuls at Taroko Gorge.

Taiwan Bulbul c.8km south of Taroko River.

The Taroko River is estimated to mark the boundary of the hybrid swarm. so as with birders before, we travelled c.8km south in an attempt to guarantee seeing pure birds.

Himalayan Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus

This Taiwan resident race nigerrimus was recorded on 9 dates in fair numbers often in parties which seem to migrate off high. Daily maximum of 30 on the 15th.

Party of Himalayan Black Bulbuls at Wulai.

Korean Bush Warbler Cettia canturians

Race borealis - Singles were recorded on two dates behind the yellow lodge at Wushe coming out of the roost site at dawn on the 27th and 28th and probably related to the same individual on both dates.

Korean Bush Warbler at dawn as it was leaving its roost site at Wushe.

Brown-flanked Bush Warbler Cettia fortipes

The endemic Taiwan resident race robustipes which is often considered specifically as Strong-footed Bush Warbler was just seen on two dates with 1 on the 26th above Wushe near Km 4 road marker and 3 on the 27th again in the Wushe area.

Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler Cettia acanthizoides

Taiwan endemic race concolor was recorded at various sites on 9 dates but only in small numbers with a daily maximum of 3. It would re-act well to tape play-back.

Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler along the Blue Gate trail.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus

Although a number were heard calling at various sites, just two singles were seen the first on the 16th and the second on the 17th. Both appeared to be adult birds.

Yellow-browed Warbler at Wushe.

Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis

Race fulvifacies was recorded on 6 dates in the mixed bird flocks in the montane forests, it was extremely active usually keeping quite high in the trees and we found virtually impossible to photograph. Generally just odd birds were seen in the mixed bird flocks although 8 were seen on the 19th along the Beigongyueseshan trail.

Rufous-faced Warbler at Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Resrve.

Taiwan Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus musicus

This resident endemic of Taiwan was heard calling on a number of days but proved very difficult to see even when calling at close range. We finally caught up with it on the 22nd when 2 were seen in a mixed bird flock at the agricultural area at Km 12 below the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve. One was seen on the 26th again in a mixed bird-flock near the Firefly lodge and 2 on the 27th at Chun Yung Farm.

Formerly placed within Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler P. ruficollis this species was split in Forktail 22 (2006) A partial revision of the Asian Babblers (Timaliidae) by N.J. Collar and that treatment was followed by Brazil (2009)

Taiwan Scimitar Babbler at Chun Yung Farm.

Taiwan Wren Babbler Pnoepyga formosana

Endemic resident in the montane forests of Taiwan. After hearing it singing and a brief untickable view along the Blue Gate trail on the 17th, we knew we had to make a real effort to connect with this very skulking species, but we also knew that if we were to connect with it, it would prove to be one of the highlights of the trip and in the end we were not disappointed. We first saw it along the Blue Gate trail on the 20th with several brief but satisfactory views at the start of the trail, and then one suddenly sang close to a leaking pipe across the pathway and David with careful tape-playback managed to encourage this mega to come and sit on the pipe right out in the open some 10ft from us. We looked at it not daring to move, what a view. We tried again with tape-playback with our cameras duly ready, but needless to say no second view, but we all left very happy.

Much to our surprise, one showed well at dusk as we were leaving the tree-nursery trail on the 26th and 2 more were singing nearby, but the light had gone and just blurred photographs, but still excellent views. We were leaving this area the next morning, so we were back up along the tree-nursery trail on the 27th and as it was beginning to get light 2 showed in the same place as yesterday evening and although the light was very poor, we did manage between us to obtain a few unblurred pictures. When the light improved, unfortunately the two birds had melted away back into the thick undergrowth. An unforgettable bird, and one of the highlights of the trip.

Taiwan Wren Babbler behind the tree nursery at the office

block at Anmashan Forest Reserve.

Rufous-capped Babbler Stachyris ruficeps

Taiwan distinctive endemic race praecognita was seen on 7 occasions in small numbers with a daily maximum of 6 on the 27th chiefly along the Blue Gate trail. Although chiefly seen in forest areas, we also saw it in the gardens of Firefly lodge.

Rusty Laughingthrush Garrulax poecilorhynchus

This Taiwan endemic resident was just seen on one date around our accommodation block at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve on the 23rd. We have my upset stomach to thank for seeing these, as I had to return somewhat hurriedly to my chalet to use the facilities and suddenly David was banging on the door with news that 19 of these skulking but nosy birds were opposite the chalet. We spent an hour trying to photograph them before they suddenly and nosily flew off and were not seen again.

Rusty Laughingthrush at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Taiwan Hwamei Garrulax taewanus

This secretive and elusive Taiwan endemic were seen on two early mornings leaving their roost sites on the 27th and 28th behind our yellow lodge at Wushe with 3 on the 27th and 2 on the 28th. On both dates, they briefly sang as they left their roost before they disappeared into the thick scrub, and we did not see them later in the day.

Taiwan Hwamei behind our yellow lodge at Wushe.

White-Whiskered Laughingthrush Garrulax morrisonianus

Another Taiwan endemic which we only saw at altitude but was always very tame and approachable. Recorded in fair numbers on 8 dates often seen around the car parks at the summits with a daily maximum of 15 on two dates.

White-whiskered Laughing Thrush at the the Hehuanshan Pass.

Steere's Liocichla Liocichla steerii

This Taiwan endemic was recorded almost daily in small numbers and could be seen in a number of different habitats with a daily maximum of 12 on the 18th.

Steere's Liocichia at Wushe.

Steere's Liocichia taken before dawn in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Taiwan Barwing Actinodura morrisoniana

This endemic is restricted to the montane forests of Taiwan and can often be seen in bird-flocks. We recorded it on 6 dates which included a superb flock of at least 25 birds at the start of the Blue Gate trail on the 18th.

Taiwan Barwing at the start of the Blue Gate trail.

Taiwan Fulvetta Alcippe formosana

This Taiwan endemic prefers clearings in upper montane forests where it feeds in thick scrub. We recorded it on four dates with 3 on the 17th, 2 on the 19th, 2 on the 21st and 4 on the 28th.

Taiwan Fulvetta at the summit of the Anmashan Forest Reserve road.

Dusky Fulvetta Alcippe brunnea

This Taiwan endemic race brunnea appears to feed chiefly on the ground amongst ferns and other vegetation in forests and can be difficult to see. We saw 1 along the Beigongyueseshan trail on the 19th which responded to tape play-back, 4 on the 24th and they showed well from the hide at Firefly lodge and 1 on the 25th near the Firefly lodge.

Dusky Fulvetta taken at dusk from the bird-hide at the Firefly lodge.

Grey-cheeked Fulvetta Alcippe cinereiceps

Another Taiwan endemic race morrisonia and is the main mixed bird-flock species. Good numbers seen almost daily with a daily maximum of 70 on the 21st.

Grey-cheeked Fulvetta - the common flock species and seen almost daily.

Taiwan Sibia Heterophasia auricularis
Endemic to Taiwan. Recorded in fair numbers on 11 dates. On the 19th we came across a superb flock of at least 60 birds moving through the forest trees along the Beigongyueseshan trail, they just kept coming over the track virtually over our heads.

Taiwan Sibia at the Chun Yang Farm.

Taiwan Yuhina Yuhina brunneiceps

This attractive Taiwan endemic which was common in small numbers in the hill forests. We recorded it on 12 dates with a daily maximum of 15 on the 19th.

Taiwan Yuhina a common resident in the hill forests.

White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca

This endemic race griseilors appeared quite scarce and we only recorded odd birds on four dates in the hill forests. It was usually seen in mixed bird-species flocks with a daily maximum of 5 on the 29th at Wulai.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill Paradoxornis webbianus

We were lucky to discover a roost of this Taiwan endemic race bulomachus in thick scrub behind the yellow lodge where we were staying at Wushe. They came out of the roost just before dawn and spent around 20 minutes in the bamboo and scrub before departing down into the valley and lost to view. We had 15 on the 27th and 20 on the 28th.

Vinous-throated Parrotbill at Wushe.

Japanese White-Eye Zosterops japonicus

Small parties were recorded on just 4 dates in the hill forests with a daily maximum of 15 on the 22nd.

Japanese White-Eye at Chun Yung Farm, Wushe.

Flamecrest Regulus goodfellowi

This delightful Taiwan endemic species which is found in pine at or near the summit of mountains was seen by ourselves on just three dates with 2 on the 17th at the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft., 1 on the 19th at Km47 at the Mikado Pheasant stakeout in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve and finally a nice party of at least 10 and possibly many more in a large mixed species bird flock on the 25th at the summit of the Yushan National Park allowing us some excellent views.

Flamecrests at Yushan National Park, Size of a Firecrest, but usually stays near the top of pine trees.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

This Taiwan endemic race taivanus which is resident in the high mountains was just seen on three dates with 4 on the 19th at the summit of the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft.

Looking down on a Wren at 10,000 ft on the Hehuanshan Pass.

Nuthatch Sitta europaea

The race sinensis was recorded on just three dates with singles on the 19th, and 25th and two on the 26th.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Reasonable numbers of mynas were seen on the various drives from one site to another but no attempt was made to identify the majoriy from the car, but we did see 2 Common Mynas on the 26th.

Taiwan Whistling Thrush Myophonus insularis

This endemic Whistling Thrush was seen on 8 dates chiefly at dawn or dusk when we were driving, but also occasionally during the day with a daily maximum of 5 on the 26th chiefly in the Ailshan area.

Taiwan Whistling Thrush near Ailshan.

White's Thrush Zoothera dauma

There are three different races of White's Thrush which can be seen in Taiwan, we recorded it on 10 days usually singles often on the forest roads with daily maximums of 6 on the 19th and 4 on the 22nd. Some allowed extra close views which was simply superb.

White's Thrush at Km.18 above Wushe.

DC photographing the White's Thrush.

Eye-browed Thrush Turdus obscurus

Recorded on 11 dates with a daily maximum of 65 near Alishan on the 26th.

White's and Eye-browed at Km 18 above Wushe.

1stYr. Eye-browed Thrush along the Waterfall trail near Wulai.

Pale Thrush Turdus pallidus

A single bird showed well on the 19th at the summit of the Hehuanshan Pass.

Pale Thrush along the Beigongyueseshan trail.

Brown-headed Thrush Turdus chrysolaus

A single bird was seen on 22nd and 23rd at the summit 50km marker at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, and another single was seen on the 26th at the fruiting trees near Alishan. The race which winters on Taiwan is chrysolaus.

Taiwan Shortwing Brachypteryx goodfellowi

This Taiwan endemic proved very difficult to see even thou several were heard singing at very close range along the Blue Gate Trail. At long last, one re-acted to tape play-back on the 18th and we then manage to see at least 2 and possibly 3 birds in total. They were very secretive showing briefly and occasionally in a dark gully along the Blue Gate trail, but proved impossible for us to photograph them.

Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope

Always exciting when one sees a Rubythroat, with a pair on the 26th showed well near Km4 above Wushe, one on the 27th at Chun Yung Farm, and finally an adult male on the 28th near Wushe.

White-browed Robin Luscinia indica

This very distinctive Taiwan endemic race formosana, which a number of authorities consider it to be specifically distinct as Taiwan Robin, was only seen on the 21st when a pair gave crippling views in a waterfall gully just below the Mikado Pheasant stakeout in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve.

Adult male White-browed Robin of the Taiwan endemic race formosana

which may be specifically distinct, in the Robin gully at Km45. Dasyueshan

Amnashan Forest Reserve

Female White-browed Robins can be extremely difficult to separate from the female

Collard Bush Robin. The above pictures show the bird with a longer less unbroken

supercillium, and a slightly different jizz which seems to fit White-browed Robin,

but I may be wrong.

Collared Bush Robin Luscinia johnstoniae

This striking Taiwan endemic in montane forest edges and clearings was seen on 6 dates, but never more than 3 on a day. A pair showed down to a few feet in the waterfall gully in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve and was one of the highlights of the trip.

Adult male Collared Bush Robin in the Robin gully at Km45.

What I considered to be a female Collared Bush Robin in the Robin gully at Km45.

Note the more broken supercillium than the White-browed Robin.

Red-Flanked Bluetail Luscinia cyanura

Singles recorded on just four dates: 19th, 21st, 27th and 28th.

Female Red-Flanked Bluetail at Km18 above Wushe.

Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus

Recorded in small numbers on 7 dates with a daily maximum of 6.

Male and Female Daurian Redstarts at the Chun Yang Farm.

Plumbeous Redstart Rhyacornis fiulginosa
This Taiwan endemic race affinis was recorded on six dates with a daily maximum of 10 on the 28th along the river in the Taroko Gorge.

Adult female Plumbeous Redstart of the Taiwan endemic race

affinis on a stream around Km40 at Anmashan Forest Reserve.

Male Plumbeous Redstart at Taroko Gorge.

White-tailed Robin Myiomela leucura

This Taiwan endemic race montium which favours shady forest areas was seen on no fewer than seven days, all were adult male birds with two seen on the 19th and 22nd and many were singing and appeared to be holding territory.

Male White-tailed Robin at Wulai.

Male White-tailed Robin at Wushe.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri

On the 28th, we stopped at a parking bay to look along the river running through the Taroko Gorge and saw 2 adults along this river and this proved to be our only sighting.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

Recorded on just two dates with a pair on the 26th and a single bird on the 28th.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri
On the 28th, we stopped at a parking bay to look along the river running through the Taroko Gorge and saw 2 adults along this river and this proved to be our only sighting.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
Recorded on just two dates with a pair on the 26th and a single bird on the 28th.

Male Blue Rock Thrush at Wushe.

Mugimaki Flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki

A 1stW male which showed very well, and an adult male, was found on the 29th in the forest at Wulai.

First-winter male Mugimaki Flycatcher at Ulay.

Adult Male Mugimaki Flycatcher at Ulay

Snowy-browed Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra

Just a single male of the Taiwan endemic race innexa showed briefly but well to DC on the 19th along the Beigongyueseshan trail.

Vivid Niltava Niltava vivida

The distinctive Taiwan endemic race vivda, which may be a separate species and known as Taiwan Niltava,

was seen on 5 dates with a daily maximum of 6 on the 26th at the fruiting trees at Alishan. Odd birds were also seen in mixed bird flocks.

Female Vivid Niltava at Wulai.

Male Vivid Niltava at the fruiting tree at Km24

The Taiwan bird has a grey throat and paler underparts.

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii

Just one was seen on the 15th on the river at the entrance gate to the Huisun Forest Reserve

Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectum

The Taiwan endemic race formosum was seen on four dates with 3 juveniles/females and 2 ad males at secondary growth areas including Chun Yung Farm.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Recorded when driving through villages etc, but not seen in the forests or mountains.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata

Race swinhoei was recorded in small parties on four dates chiefly around agricultural areas.

White-rumped Munia at the agricultural area at Km12 below Anmashan Forest Reserve.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Race melanope on nine dates but only in small numbers.

Grey Wagtail on the hillside at Ulay.

Amur (White) Wagtail Motacilla alba leucopsis

A number of the race leucopsis were seen on four dates with a daily maximum of 6 on the 26th.

Amur Wagtail at Firefly lodge.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni

Just small numbers of this attractive pipit were seen on 5 dates with a daily maximum of 6 on the 24th and 27th.

Vinaceous Rosefinch Carpodacus vinaceus

The very attractive male of the Taiwan endemic race formosanus which occurs in the upper montane areas was recorded on five dates with 2 males and 1 female on the 17th on the Hehuanshan Pass at 10,000 ft, 6 on the 19th again at the Hehuanshan Pass feeding in bamboo and on berries, 1 male on the 20th feeding on the road verge at the Mikado Pheasant stake-out in the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, 4 on the 21st at the 50Km summit of the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve and 3 on the 28th as we drove up to the Hehuanshan Pass.

Female Vinaceous Rosefinch at the Hehuanshan Pass.

Adult male Vinaceous Rosefinch at the Hehuanshan Pass.

JFC photographing Vinaceous Rosefinches at Hehuanshan Pass.

Brown Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis

An untidy dull looking Bullfinch of the Taiwan endemic race uchidai which is a resident of the mid to upper elevation slopes was recorded in small parties on four dates with 5 along the Blue Gate trail on the 18th, and 7 also along the trail on the 20th. and 3 on the 26th and 27th.

Beavan's Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca

A much smarter looking Bullfinch than the previous species of the distinctive Taiwan endemic race owstoni,

which some authorities treat as a full specie known as Owston's Bullfinch. We recorded it on three dates, the first an obliging adult male almost at the summit of the Hehuanshan Pass on the 19th, Two on the 21 near the summit at Km 50 at the Dasyueshan Amnashan Forest Reserve, and 3 on the 25th above Wushe.

Adult male Bevans Bullfinch of the race owstoni at the Hehuanshan Pass.

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala

We recorded this bunting on three dates all in the scrub behind the yellow lodge where we were staying at Wushe, with 4 on the 26th, 12 on the 27th and 1 on the 28th.