Taiwan has recorded 682 species of birds of which 28 are endemic including the spectacular Swinhoe’s Pheasant and Mikado Pheasant. These are always high on everyone’s wish list. In addition there are 56 endemic subspecies. It. has a great list of birds many of which are quite spectacular including the migratory Fairy Pitta. Resident birds include Golden Parrotbill, Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler, Taiwan Blue Magpie, Taiwan Rosefinch and Himalayan Owl. There are also some interesting mammals including the very attractive White-faced Flying Squirrel, Taiwanese Serow and Reeve’s Muntjac

If you are interested in a guided bird and photography tour to Taiwan why not join us on Birding Taiwan in the spring?

The mountains of Taiwan are home to the majority of Taiwan’s endemic birds. In addition they also have a number of more widespread birds. Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasant, Taiwan Hill and Bamboo Partridge, Flamecrest, Taiwan Rosefinch, Steeres Liocichla and White-whiskered Laughing Thrush are amongst the endemics. Amongst the non-endemic great birds that can also be seen on this tour are Alpine Accentor, Nutcracker, Rufous-faced Warbler, White-backed Woodpecker and Himalayan Owl. Over 30 species of large mammals can be seen in this area including bear, boar and deer but we will be lucky to see them. However at the right time of year a host of butterflies and some reptiles may well be visible.

Taiwan has a large bird list with 28 endemic birds and 56 endemic subspecies. We will be looking for as many of these as we can find. Most of the endemics are in the mountains. We will spend most of our time up there. The stunning Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasants are star attractions. However, there are lots of other exciting birds to see. Taiwan Partridge, Black Necklaced Scimitar-babbler, Taiwan Cupwing  and many more are amongst them. Depending on the time of year the birds seen will vary. Spring brings many Palearctic migrants to increase the numbers of species available. Additionally we will also be hoping for some of Taiwan’s interesting mammals including Taiwan Serow and the large and distinctive White-headed Flying Squirrel.

The western  lowlands will be offer us the striking Taiwan Blue Magpie, Taiwan Barbet, Collared Finchbill, Grey-headed Barbet.