The Ultimate In Birding Tours

Asia (and its islands)

TAIWAN – The endemic-rich ‘Treasure Island’ in the China Sea

Sunday 21st April – Friday 3rd May 2024

Leaders: Dave Farrow and a local bird guide

13 Days Group Size Limit 6
Tuesday 21st April – Sunday 3rd May 2026

Leaders: Birdquest leader to be announced and a local bird guide

13 Days Group Size Limit 6

TAIWAN: OVERVIEW

Birdquest’s Taiwan birding tours explore an island that is still not that well-established on the world birding map, yet has one of the highest concentrations of endemic birds in Asia. Our Taiwan birding tour offers comprehensive coverage of the island and normally records every Taiwan endemic bird species, including Mikado and Swinhoe’s Pheasants, as well as the rare and beautiful Fairy Pitta.

Two hundred kilometres off the eastern coast of China lies the island of Taiwan, nowadays one of the Asian ‘Tiger’ economies and a highly-developed, industrialized democracy. Known to the ancient Chinese, attracted by tales of its natural wealth, as ‘Bao Dao’ (‘Treasure Island’), and to the Portuguese as ‘Isla Formosa’ (‘Beautiful Island’), this mountainous, leaf-shaped, subtropical island set in the South China Sea has moved on from its one-time role as the last stronghold of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist Chinese government to its present state as a prosperous island with a highly educated population and a well-developed infrastructure.

For the birdwatcher, Taiwan has a great deal to offer. Most exciting of all are the many endemic species (the number of which has already risen to around 30, depending on what taxonomy one follows, and is probably destined to go higher, following further taxonomic revision), many of which are unusually attractive, but there are also many other interesting birds of wider distribution. This tour has been carefully crafted and is long enough to provide the best possible chance of seeing every one of Taiwan’s existing endemic species and likely future splits. Rain and mist are commonplace in Taiwan’s mountainous interior from March onwards, right through the best birding season, so plenty of time in the mountains is needed if one is to be virtually certain of seeing the two fabulous endemic pheasants. In addition, several of the endemics are quite localized or very shy, requiring time and effort. Relatively few non-Taiwanese birders have visited the island, making a visit still very much a novelty.

During our Taiwan birding tour we shall concentrate on the central mountain massif of Taiwan and the wetlands of the southwest coast.

From Taipei, the capital, where we will admire what are surely the world’s tamest Malayan Night Herons, we will head south to explore the high mountains of first the Daxueshan (Anmashan) region. Daxueshan is the best birding area in all Taiwan and we have plenty of time there so we can do really well.

This is where we have our best chances for the famed Mikado Pheasant and the gorgeous Swinhoe’s Pheasant, and where we should see other great birds such as the secretive Taiwan Partridge, Taiwan Bamboo Partridge, the beautiful Collared Bush Robin, Sombre Bush Robin, the tiny Flamecrest, White-eared Sibia, Taiwan Barwing, the beautiful Yellow Tit, Taiwan Rosefinch and Taiwan Bullfinch. We will also spend some time in the forested foothills to admire, Black-necklaced and Taiwan Scimitar Babblers.

After stops in the Wushe region to look for Rufous-capped Laughingthrush, Chestnut-bellied Tit and the spectacular Taiwan Blue Magpie, oiut Taiwan birding tour takes us over the Hehuan Shan pass and we drop down to the east coast through the awesome scenery of the Taroko Gorge. Birding in the coastal lowlands will focus on Styan’s Bulbul, Black-necklaced and Taiwan Scimitar Babblers, Taiwan Hwamei (or Taiwan Laughingthrush) and the superb Red Oriole.

Our next venue will offer a striking contrast to what we have seen so far, for the small volcanic island of Lanyu is home to people of Micronesian or Polynesian origin and holds a series of special birds including Lanyu Scops Owl, Taiwan Green Pigeon and the spectacular Japanese Paradise Flycatcher.

After returning to the mainland, we will check some wetlands for Chinese Egret before heading for the Tainan region in the southwest of Taiwan, home to wintering Black-faced Spoonbills and a superb selection of shorebirds including Great Knot, Broad-billed and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, and Asian Dowitcher.

From the coastal lowlands we will travel eastwards to explore yet another of Taiwan’s jade-green highland areas, Alishan and Yushan, where we have another chance to find the magnificent Mikado Pheasant as well as the delightful Golden Parrotbill.

Last, but certainly not least, will be the gorgeous Fairy Pittas of the western foothills.

In between looking for Taiwan’s many avian specialities, we will be able to enjoy some magnificent mountain scenery, eat some tasty Chinese food (for there is nothing the Chinese like better than eating) and absorb the eminently Chinese atmosphere of this ‘Treasure Island’.

Birdquest has operated Taiwan birding tours since 1990.

Accommodation & Road Transport: The hotels/guesthouses are mostly of good or medium standard. The guesthouses on Lanyu are simple, but quite comfortable, and not all rooms have private bathrooms (we will use two guesthouses close to each other if need be, as none have more than a few rooms). Road transport is by minibus or 4x4s and roads are mostly good (albeit very winding in the mountains).

Walking: The walking effort during our Taiwan birding tours is mostly easy, occasionally moderate.

Climate: Conditions will range from warm or hot in the lowlands to cool or even fairly cold at the very highest altitudes. At this season sunny periods alternate with overcast, rainy weather. It is often rather humid.

Bird Photography: Opportunities during our Taiwan birding tours are quite good.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Almost perfectly circling the island clockwise, starting at Taipei inb the north.
  • A high chance of seeing all 28 currently recognised endemic species, plus a host of other special subspecies.
  • Walk amongst tame Malayan Night Herons in city parks.
  • Seeking out the declining but beautiful Fairy Pitta just as they return from their wintering grounds.
  • Spending several days in the magnificent, endemic-rich Dasyueshan Forest.
  • Road-cruising to find both Mikado Pheasant and Swinhoe’s Pheasant.
  • Noisy flocks of White-eared Sibias and Steere’s Liocichlas that can contain the unobtrusive Yellow Tit and Taiwan Barwing.
  • Birding in mid-elevation forest for Chestnut-bellied Tits and the colourful Taiwan Blue Magpie.
  • Access the highest pass in Taiwan without having to walk away from the vehicle!
  • Exploring grassy slopes and wooded valleys that hold Taiwan Rosefinch, Collared Bush Robin and the endemic form of Golden Parrotbill.
  • Seeing 'Taiwan' Whistling Green Pigeon, 'Lanyu' Ryukyu Scops Owl and Japanese Paradise Flycatcher on relaxed Lanyu Island.
  • Spending two days at beautiful Alishan for a second chance at the hardest endemics.
  • Exploring some coastal migrant spots, where we might see various species of buntings, starlings, flycatchers and pipits.
  • Visiting estuaries as we circle around Taiwan in search of Chinese Egret, Black-faced Spoonbill, and an assortment of shorebirds.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 1: Morning tour start at Taipei, then drive to Daxueshan.
  • Days 2-4: Daxueshan (Anmashan).
  • Day 5: Drive to Wushe.
  • Day 6: Wushe area, then drive via Hehuan pass to Taroko.
  • Day 7: Taroko region, then drive to Taitung.
  • Day 8: Morning ferry to Lanyu island.
  • Day 9: Lanyu island, then return by ferry to Taitung. Drive to Beimen near Tainan.
  • Day 10: Beimen/Tainan area, then drive to Alishan.
  • Day 11: Alishan.
  • Day 12: Alishan, then drive to Douliou.
  • Day 13: Douliou area, then drive to Taipei airport for late afternoon tour end.

To see a larger map, click on the square-like ‘enlarge’ icon in the upper right of the map box.

To see (or hide) the ‘map legend’, click on the icon with an arrow in the upper left of the map box.

To change to a satellite view, which is great for seeing the physical terrain (and for seeing really fine details by repetitive use of the + button), click on the square ‘map view’ icon in the lower left corner of the ‘map legend’.

PRICE INFORMATION

Birdquest Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

We also include all tipping for local guides, drivers and accommodation/restaurant staff.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)


2024: confirmed £3970, $5090, €4630, AUD7680. Taipei/Taipei.
2026: provisional £4120, $5290, €4810, AUD7980. Taipei/Taipei.

Single Supplement: 2024: £500, $650, €590, AUD980.
Single Supplement: 2026: £520, $670, €600, AUD1010.

The single supplement will not apply if you indicate on booking that you prefer to share a room and there is a room-mate of the same sex available.

This tour is priced in US Dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

Air Travel To & From The Tour: Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.

TAIWAN BIRDING TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Taiwan: Day 1  Our tour begins this morning at Taipei. The burgeoning city of Taipei was transformed in under a generation from a sleepy provincial town into a glistening high-rise metropolis.

Before we leave the city behind we will pay a short visit to the Botanical Gardens where, in spite of the many visitors, Malayan Night Herons go about their business unconcerned – indeed they are now so accustomed to people that one can approach within a few metres! Other species likely here include Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Red Collared (or Red Turtle) and Spotted Doves, the endemic Taiwan (or Gould’s) Barbet, Chinese and Black Bulbuls, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Japanese White-eye, Eurasian Magpie and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

After this interesting introduction to Taiwanese birding, we will head south to the Daxueshan area (pronounced dah-shwey-shan) for a four nights stay.

Taiwan: Days 2-4  The forested mountains of Daxueshan (also known as Dasyueshan or Anmashan) have almost the full range of Taiwan’s speciality birds and so we are sure to enjoy our stay in this scenic area. Given the poor weather conditions that sometimes prevail in Taiwan’s mountains in spring and summer, simply having additional days in the right habitat greatly increases our chance of success, and we will have more chances of finding most of the species listed below at several of the mountain sites that we will visit.

One of our main targets here will be the spectacular endemic Mikado Pheasant. This species is often surprisingly confiding for a ‘gamebird’ and if we are fortunate we will be able to get quite close to one or two, perhaps watching a female quietly feeding at the side of a road or a male making its wing-drumming display. With persistence, we have an excellent chance of seeing this unforgettable bird either here or at Yushan. We will also have our first opportunity to look for two more of the most exciting and most sought after Taiwanese endemics, the amazing endemic Swinhoe’s Pheasant and the ultra-skulking endemic Taiwan Partridge, both of which sometimes emerge at the roadside.

Other endemic species we will be looking for amidst some beautiful broadleaf, mixed and coniferous forests include another series of endemics: the distinctive Taiwan Shortwing (a form where the male has a dull, female-type plumage, and which is now sometimes split from White-browed), the lovely Collared Bush Robin, Sombre Bush Robin, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, the secretive Taiwan or Alishan Bush Warbler (split from Russet), the pretty little Flamecrest, Taiwan Wren-Babbler (split from Pygmy), the endearing little Taiwan Fulvetta (a recent split from Streak-throated), the noisy Grey-cheeked Fulvetta (a bird restricted to Taiwan after taxonomic revision), the inquisitive Taiwan Yuhina, the noisy Rusty Laughingthrush (another form endemic to Taiwan following taxonomic revision), the striking White-whiskered Laughingthrush, the attractive Steere’s Liocichla, Taiwan Barwing, the smart White-eared Sibia, the beautiful Yellow Tit and Taiwan Rosefinch (split from Vinaceous).

We will also have our first chance to see three other endemic forms, at least one or two of which are likely to be treated as distinct species in the future. These are the drably-coloured Taiwan (or Sombre) Bush Robin (a form which has a ‘feminized’ male plumage and which is surely a good split from White-browed, from which it differs both morphologically and by voice), the beautiful though rather elusive Taiwan Thrush (the local form is sometimes split from Island Thrush of the tropical Pacific region), and the distinctive Taiwan Bullfinch (also known as Owston’s Bullfinch and another endemic form with a feminized male plumage which is surely a worthy split from Grey-headed).

Other birds we may well encounter here include Crested Serpent Eagle, Ashy Wood Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, the restricted-range White-bellied Green Pigeon, Grey-capped Woodpecker, Asian House Martin, Grey-chinned Minivet, the strange Collared Finchbill (a Chinese near-endemic), the smart White-tailed Robin, Scaly Thrush (the breeding form on Taiwan being of uncertain affinities and perhaps representing a distinct species, analogous to the situation on Amami in the Ryukyu Islands), Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler (truly a bird with an extraordinary song, and now a Chinese near-endemic following taxonomic revision), the delightful Rufous-faced Warbler, Ferruginous Flycatcher (probably easier to see in Taiwan than anywhere else), Vivid Niltava (the nominate Taiwan form, which has an orange wedge on the throat, being possibly a separate species from mainland forms), Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Rufous-capped Babbler, perky Black-throated, Coal and Green-backed Tits, Fire-breasted (or Buff-bellied) Flowerpecker, Bronzed Drongo, Large-billed Crow and White-rumped Munia.

Taiwan: Day 5  Today we shall make our way the Wushe region for an overnight stay.

En route we shall visit an area of lowland forest which holds the uncommon endemic Chestnut-bellied (or Taiwan Varied Tit (split from Varied). Whilst searching for this delightful species we should also find the superb Taiwan Blue Magpie, as well as Crested Goshawk, White-bellied Yuhina and Grey Treepie.

Amidst the montane forests of the Wushe region, we shall look in particular for the attractive endemic Rufous-crowned (or Rufous-capped) Laughingthrush, which has now been split from White-throated. We will also have another chance to see some of the species previously mentioned for Daxueshan.

Other species we may well encounter include Large Hawk-Cuckoo, Oriental Cuckoo, White-backed Woodpecker, Large Cuckoo-Shrike, Eurasian Nuthatch, Eurasian Jay and the rather uncommon Brown Bullfinch. We are likely to hear Collared Owlet, but we will need some luck to track one down. Away from the forest, areas of cultivation, tea gardens and scrub hold Brown-flanked Bush-Warbler (the local form robustipes may perhaps represent a distinct species), Striated Prinia and Vinous-throated Parrotbill (a Chinese near-endemic).

Taiwan: Day 6  Today, after some final birding in the Wushe area, we will cross the Hehuan Shan pass, at 3275m the highest road in East Asia. As we cross the pass, where there are magnificent mountain views on a clear day (the surrounding peaks rise to 3605m), we will stop to look for Alpine Accentor and the uncommon and furtive Golden Parrotbill.

We will then head down the famous East-West Highway (a road that was a remarkable feat of engineering when first constructed nearly 50 years ago). We will descend until we reach the dramatic Taroko Gorge, a truly awesome chasm of perpendicular marble cliffs carved by the tumultuous Li-Wu river that is undoubtedly one of the scenic wonders of Asia. Here we can expect to find Brown Dipper, Plumbeous Redstart, Little Forktail, more Taiwan Whistling Thrushes and perhaps Silver-backed Needletail.

Eventually, we will reach the east coast at Taroko, where we will spend the night.

Taiwan: Day 7  Today we will explore rivers, paddyfields, rough grassland and patches of scrub in the coastal lowlands. Likely additions to the list include Chinese Spot-billed Duck, Common (or Ring-necked) Pheasant (represented here by an endemic subspecies), Barred Buttonquail, Fork-tailed (or Pacific) Swift, Amur Wagtail and the Taiwanese form of the Bright-capped Cisticola. More importantly, this is a good area for yet another endemic, the Taiwan Hwamei (a split from Chinese Hwamei, but as it completely lacks the eyebrow that gives this species its Chinese name, meaning ‘beautiful eyebrow, the name is not a very good one!). We may also encounter a lingering winter visitor or passage migrant such as Red-throated or Richard’s Pipits, or Black-faced Bunting.

Early on we should encounter hybrid Styan’s x Chinese Bulbuls, for this is one of the areas where the two species meet, but as we travel southwards the birds are clearly pure Styan’s Bulbuls. Supposedly threatened by hybridization with invading Chinese Bulbuls, this endemic species is still very numerous and clearly doing well despite some hybridization in a narrow zone.

Afterwards, we continue southwards to Taitung for an overnight stay.

We will stop for some birding in an area of lowland forest where we have an excellent chance of finding the endemic Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler (now treated as specifically distinct from the members of the Spot-breasted Scimitar Babbler complex in mainland Asia), the attractive endemic Taiwan Scimitar Babbler (a recent split from Streak-breasted) and the stunning, red and black Red (or Claret) Oriole (sometimes split from the Maroon Oriole of SW China westwards, with which it should surely never have been lumped, and a species otherwise restricted to parts of Vietnam and adjacent south China). We will also be on the lookout for Taiwan Bamboo Partridge (this endemic form is vocally and morphologically distinct from its mainland cousin, the Chinese Bamboo Partridge, from which it is sometimes split).

We will also make a short stop at the Tropic of Cancer and check the rocks offshore for the delightful Black-naped Tern, which breeds here and should just be arriving back.

Taiwan: Day 8  From Taitung, where Oriental Pratincoles often frequent the grassy areas, we will take a ferry to the small but rugged island of Lanyu, situated to the east of the southern tip of Taiwan, for an overnight stay.

We should see Streaked Shearwaters during the crossing and there is a fair chance for additional seabirds.

Lanyu is not just a fascinating island for birds, but also in terms of its people, who are of Micronesian or Polynesian stock, unlike the aboriginal inhabitants of mainland Taiwan. Local culture is still strong, in spite of past attempts to ‘Sinicise’ the inhabitants, and some of the old-style, largely subterranean dwellings (built to withstand typhoons) still survive, as do many attractive traditional fishing boats.

The island has a number of endemic bird forms, at least one of which merits specific status. During our visit to this unusual spot we will visit some of the remaining forested areas in search of the endemic Taiwan Green Pigeon (sometimes split from the Whistling Green Pigeon of the Ryukyus), Philippine Cuckoo-Dove, Brown-eared Bulbul, the superb Japanese Paradise Flycatcher (the Lanyu form may possibly represent a distinct species) and Lowland White-eye (split from Japanese, and here represented by the form batanis).

The flooded taro fields, small rivers and extensive grassy areas hold White-breasted Waterhen, Lesser Coucal and Zitting Cisticola, while along the spectacular rocky coast, complete with strangely-eroded volcanic pinnacles, we should encounter Pacific Reef Egret and the distinctive red-bellied form of the Blue Rock Thrush (a potential split). At this season Chinese Goshawks sometimes migrate over the island and passerine migrants may include Olive-backed Pipit, Oriental Reed Warbler, Grey-streaked Flycatcher, numerous Brown Shrikes and Little Bunting.

As dusk falls we will go looking for the delightful endemic Lanyu Scops Owl (which is vocally distinct from Ryukyu or Elegant Scops Owl and surely merits specific status, as has recently been proposed). The search will surely not be a long one, for this endearing little owl is positively numerous! We also have an excellent chance of finding Northern Boobook (split from Brown Hawk-Owl) in the same area.

Taiwan: Day 9  After some final birding on Lanyu we will take a ferry back to Taitung and then, after exploring a small estuary that sometimes holds migrant Chinese (or Swinhoe’s) Egrets as well as many shorebirds, we will head for the southwest coast of Taiwan, where we will stay overnight in the Beimen area, situated to the north of the city of Tainan. We may arrive in time for some initial exploration.

Taiwan: Day 10  Today we will explore the river mouths, extensive coastal wetlands and farmlands of the Tainan region. This extensive area hosts a great variety of wetland species. Foremost amongst these is the rare and endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, which overwinters in good numbers on this coast and which should still be present in small numbers.

Shorebirds are another big attraction of this part of Taiwan and the star attractions are likely to include the impressive Great Knot (with some already in breeding plumage), Long-toed Stint, Broad-billed and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Grey-tailed Tattler and even the rare Asian Dowitcher (also in its breeding finery), Far Eastern Curlew or even the charming Little Curlew. More widespread species may well include Black-winged Stilt, Oriental Pratincole, Kentish, Little Ringed, Mongolian, Greater Sand, Pacific Golden and Grey (or Black-bellied) Plovers, Red-necked Stint, Dunlin, Eastern Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Whimbrel, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Marsh, Wood, Terek and Common Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone and possibly Red-necked Phalarope.

Other species that we have a good chance of encountering include Little Grebe, Yellow and Cinnamon Bitterns, Eastern Cattle Egret (split from Western), Intermediate and Great Egrets, Grey Heron, Eurasian Wigeon, Slaty-breasted Rail, Common Moorhen, Caspian, Gull-billed, Greater Crested, Common, Little and Whiskered Terns, House Swift, Common Kingfisher, Japanese Skylark (Taiwanese birds are perhaps better allocated to this species rather than Oriental Skylark), Grey-throated Martin (split from Brown-throated), Barn, Pacific and Striated Swallows, Green-headed and Eastern Yellow Wagtails, Plain and Yellow-bellied Prinias, Brown Shrike, Black Drongo and the introduced Javan Myna and Scaly-breasted Munia. We may also see the last of the Grey-faced Buzzards that pass through this area on migration to Northeast Asia.

The very rare and critically endangered Chinese Crested Tern has been recorded a few times in April in this area, presumably on passage to its few known breeding areas on tiny islets in the Taiwan Strait (where it arrives and nests very late, only commencing egg-laying in late June), so we can always dream about a truly remarkable stroke of good fortune and the chance to observe this little-known bird!

After spending much of the day in the coastal wetlands, we will head for the foothills of Alishan for a two nights stay.

Taiwan: Day 11  To the east of Alishan the circuitous mountain highway skirts the edge of Yushan (or Jade Mountain) National Park, where the peaks rise to 3997m at the summit of Yushan itself, the highest point in East Asia. In the early morning, the silver sea of clouds that is so typical of the mountains of Taiwan may part to reveal a vista of green ridges and rugged peaks stretching far away into the distance.

Today we will explore this splendid area, concentrating on the birds of the higher montane habitats. If we have not already seen one, the magnificent but sometimes elusive Mikado Pheasant will be high on our want list.

Other target species amidst this attractive habitat of hemlocks, rhododendrons and bamboo include the beautiful Golden Parrotbill (the local form of this Chinese endemic being a possible future split as Taiwan Parrotbill) and Spotted Nutcracker (the very isolated, weakly spotted endemic form owstoni being a potential split as Taiwan Nutcracker). We will also have a last chance to catch up with any other montane species that we have not yet seen.

At lower levels we have another chance for the gorgeous Swinhoe’s Pheasant and a very good chance of seeing the secretive Taiwan Partridge at a known feeding area.

After dark, we are likely to see Collared Scops Owl and to hear Mountain Scops Owl (we would be fortunate to set eyes on this retiring and uncooperative species). We may also encounter Himalayan Owl (split from Tawny).

Taiwan: Day 12  We will spend the morning at Alishan and then head north to Douliou for an overnight stay. We may come across Russet Sparrow, a rather localized bird in Taiwan, and the superb Pheasant-tailed Jacana in its full breeding finery, whilst other species are likely to include attractive Greater Painted-Snipe and Common Snipe.

Taiwan: Day 13  This morning we will explore an attractive wooded valley in the western foothills of Taiwan’s central massif. In addition to some mature deciduous forest, there are some magnificent bamboo groves. This interesting area is home to a healthy population of the gorgeous Fairy Pitta, which at the time of our visit will only recently have arrived back on its breeding grounds. We should enjoy good views of this noisy and beautiful bird, and we also have another chance for the secretive Taiwan Bamboo Partridge and for Taiwan Scimitar Babbler. Other species likely here include Black-naped Monarch and Dusky Fulvetta (a Chinese endemic that seems easier to see here than at other sites in Taiwan).

Later we will head north to Taipei international airport, where our tour ends in the late afternoon.

TAIWAN TOUR REPORT 2019

View Report

TAIWAN TOUR REPORT 2016

View Report

TAIWAN TOUR REPORT 2015

View Report

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