Republic of China
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, is a partially recognised country in East Asia. The main island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, lies between the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) 180 kilometres to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It has an area of 35,808 km2 (13,826 square miles), with mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds and plains in the western third, where its highly urbanised population is concentrated. The combined territories under ROC control consist of 168 islands in total covering 36,193 km2 (13,974 square miles). The largest metropolitan area is formed by Taipei (the capital), New Taipei City, and Keelung. With around 24 million inhabitants, Taiwan is among the most densely populated countries in the world. It is the world’s most populous state and largest economy that is not a member of the United Nations. Its highest point is Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) at 12,966 feet, making Taiwan the world’s fourth-highest island. Smaller islands include the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait, the Kinmen, Matsu and Wuqiu islands near the Chinese coast, and some of the South China Sea islands.
Taroko National Park – ©Xavier Berlioux CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Taiwan contains four terrestrial eco-regions: Jian Nan subtropical evergreen forests, South China Sea Islands, South Taiwan monsoon rain forests, and Taiwan subtropical evergreen forests. The eastern mountains are heavily forested and home to a diverse range of wildlife, while land use in the western and northern lowlands is intensive.
Taiwan lies on the Tropic of Cancer, and its general climate is marine tropical. The northern and central regions are subtropical, whereas the south is tropical and the mountainous regions are temperate. The average rainfall is 100 inches per year for the island proper; the rainy season is concurrent with the onset of the summer East Asian Monsoon in May and June. The entire island experiences hot, humid weather from June through September. Typhoons are most common in July, August and September. During the winter, November to March, the northeast experiences steady rain, while the central and southern parts of the island are mostly sunny.
Shei-Pa National Park – ©Jcwalker1015 CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The island of Taiwan lies in a complex tectonic area between the Yangtze Plate to the west and north, the Okinawa Plate on the north-east, and the Philippine Mobile Belt on the east and south. Consequently, there have been major quakes throughout the history of the island.
Birding Taiwan
The ecosystems in Taiwan – Taiwan is an island surrounded by the sea, with 42% of the land area comprised of mountain ranges. Among these mountains, there are more than 100 peaks over 3,000 meters high.
Because of this topography, Taiwan incorporates numerous ecological zones, and a wide variety of ecosystems, and a correspondingly wide diversity of flora and fauna. There is the coastal zone with its marine ecosystem which includes coral reefs, beaches, estuaries, etc. Within various zones there are ecosystems associated with lakes and streams. There are a variety of tropical rainforest canopy, woodland, and forest ecosystems also within a variety of ecological zones ranging from sea level to over 3,000 meters in altitude; in addition, there are a number of ecosystems that have emerged as a result of the spread of the presence of man from rural farmlands to large cities. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that Taiwan should be so species rich.
There are more than 11,000 species of birds in the world. Taiwan, with an area of 36,000 km2, has records of more than 570 species of birds, forming the second highest avian species density anywhere in the world.
Taiwan Rosefinch Carpodacus formosanus – ©Bird-Photo-Tours ASIA
Taiwan belongs to the Oriental zoogeographical region, and the entire ecosystem here is very special. The birds found in Taiwan are related to those in mainland China and the Himalayas. Every autumn and winter, thousands of migratory birds fly south to the island, while some of the summer migrants from south China remain there the entire season. Some of its most valued birds are the residents, including at least 15 endemic species, unique, national treasures of Taiwan which have attracted great concern and admiration of many foreign biologists and nature lovers.
Birding is closely related to the seasons. In general, in summer the resident birds and summer visitors of Taiwan are targeted, and in the other seasons we look for the winter migrants from the north. It easy to find evidence of birds almost everywhere on the island. Therefore, if you are patient and go outdoors to the mountains or seashores, you will be able to see many birds hopping, flying and singing around you.
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Contributors
Number of Species
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Number of bird species: 751
(As at May 2025)National Bird - Taiwan Blue Magpie Urocissa caerulea
Endemics
Number of endemics: 30
Taiwan Partridge Arborophila crudigularis
Taiwan Bamboo-partridge Bambusicola sonorivox
Mikado Pheasant Syrmaticus mikado
Swinhoe's Pheasant Lophura swinhoii
Taiwan Barbet Psilopogon nuchalis
Taiwan Blue Magpie Urocissa caerulea
Chestnut-bellied Tit Sittiparus castaneoventris
Taiwan Yellow Tit Machlolophus holsti
Taiwan Bush Warbler Locustella alishanensis
Taiwan Cupwing Pnoepyga formosana
Styan's Bulbul Pycnonotus taivanus
Taiwan Fulvetta Fulvetta formosana
Morrison's Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia
Taiwan Yuhina Yuhina brunneiceps
Taiwan Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus musicus
Black-necklaced Scimitar-babbler Erythrogenys erythrocnemis
Taiwan Hwamei Garrulax taewanus
Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush Garrulax ruficeps
Rusty Laughingthrush Garrulax poecilorhynchus
White-whiskered Laughingthrush Trochalopteron morrisonianum
White-eared Sibia Heterophasia auricularis
Steere’s Liocichla Liocichla steerii
Taiwan Barwing Sibia morrisoniana
Flamecrest Regulus goodfellowi
Taiwan Thrush Turdus niveiceps
Taiwan Shortwing Brachypteryx goodfellowi
Taiwan Whistling-thrush Myophonus insularis
Collared Bush-robin Tarsiger johnstoniae
Taiwan Rosefinch Carpodacus formosanus
Taiwan Bullfinch Pyrrhula owstoni
Checklist
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Taiwan (province) , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them. -
E-Bird
PDF ChecklistThis checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide. -
Wikipedia
Annotated ListThis is a list of the bird species recorded in Taiwan. The avifauna of Taiwan include a total of 705 species, of which 30 are endemic, and 17 have been introduced by humans. Of these, 43 species are globally threatened.
Useful Reading
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100 Common Birds of Taiwan
| By Ping Du Lee | Wild Bird Society of Taipei | 2005 | Paperback | 84 pages, Colour Photos | Out of Print | ISBN: 9789579875189 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
A Field Guide to the Birds of Taiwan
| By Mu-Chi Hsiao | Cheng-Lin Li - Illustrator | Translated by Jian-Long Wu | Wild Bird Society Of Taipei | 2018 | Paperback | 416 pages, ~190 plates with colour illustrations, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9789860550191 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
A Photographic Guide to Birds of Taiwan
| By Victor Yu | Wild Bird Society Of Taipei | 2009 | Paperback | 330 pages, Col photos | Out of Print | ISBN: 9789868542501 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of East Asia: Eastern China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Eastern Russia
By Mark Brazil | Christopher Helm | 2009 | Paperback | 528 pages, 234 colour plates, colour distribution maps, b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9780713670400 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birdwatching in Taiwan
| Edited By: Rui-De Shi | Wild Bird Society of Taipei | 2005 | Paperback | 380 pages, Colour Photos, maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9789579875196 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Birds of China: Including the Island of Taiwan
| By RM De Schauensee | Oxford University Press | 1984 | Hardback | 602 pages, 38 col plates | Covers 520 Species | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780874743630 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Red List of Birds of Taiwan 2016
| By Ruey-Shing Lin, Ya-Jung Lu, Chie-Jen Ko, Tzu-Jung Tseng, Cheng-Hsiung Yang & Wan-Jyun Chen | Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute | 2016 | Paperback | ISBN: 9789860514063 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birding Aps
Taiwan Birds
Apple iOS |Taiwan Birds A user-friendly yet informative bird information app.
Taiwan Birds
AndroidThe program is based on Wikipedia content, and the ACC Biodiversity Research Center's open CC authorization file is used. The scientific name is changed to Wikipedia.Festivals & Bird Fairs-
Taipei International Birdwatching Fair
WebpageTaiwan has a wide variety of geographical features and is located on one of the world's eight major bird migratory routes, with rich and unique ecological resources. There are 642 species of birds, including 27 endemic species and 56 endemic subspecies, in Taiwan; in fact, about one fifteenth of bird species on earth can be observed in Taiwan.
Organisations-
Birding In Taiwan
WebsiteThe Taiwan International Birding Association was formally registered as a not-for-profit society on May 21, 2005... -
International Taiwan Birding Association
FacebookInternational Taiwan Birding Association - Taiwan is a safe country, with good infrastructure, a strong conservation movement, classic mountain scenery, friendly people, wonderful food, and much to offer visitors… -
Kauhsiung Wild Bird Society
WebsiteIn Chinese - E-mail: kwbs.bird@msa.hinet.net -
Wild Bird Society of Chang Hua
Facebook PageE-mail: chwbs@ms18.hinet.net -
Wild Bird Society of Taipei
WebsiteThe Wild Bird Society of Taipei (WBST) is a non-government organization of people who share common interests in the protection of wild birds and their habitats. The society was founded in 1973 with the name Taipei Wild Bird Watcher…
Reserves-
*List of protected areas of Taiwan
InformationSatellite ViewNational Parks, Nature Reserves and other protected habitat. -
NP Dongsha Atoll
InformationSatellite ViewThe marine park is located at Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) in the South China Sea and includes the atolls and surrounding sea areas. The total area is 3,537 km², with 1.79 km² of land. The main part of the Park is the Dongsha Island (Pratas Island), a circular atoll 25 kilometres in diameter, with tropical monsoon climate. Seagrass Beds are well formed in the atoll and in adjacent waters, providing rich bio-diversities of marine life from fish, jelly fish, squids, sicklefin lemon sharks, rays to rarer sea turtles, Dugongs, and cetaceans (dolphins and whales). Recovery of green sea turtles has especially been noted. Possible use of the atoll as a breeding ground by lemon sharks have been speculated due to the numbers of infants have been discovered. -
NP Kenting
InformationSatellite ViewTaiwan's oldest and southernmost national park, covering the southernmost area of the Taiwan island along Bashi Channel. Administered by the Executive Yuan's Ministry of the Interior, this national park is well known for its tropical climate and sunshine, scenic mountain and beach. he park hosts rich terrestrial biodiversity of fauna and flora including 15 species of mammals, 310 species of birds, 59 species of reptiles and amphibians, 21 species of freshwater fish, 216 species of butterflies, and various insects. -
NP Kinmen
InformationSatellite ViewDue to its subtropical climate in its surrounding and low human population, the park becomes the place for migratory birds during autumn until spring. There has been 319 species of bird have been sighted in the area -
NP Shei-Pa
InformationSatellite ViewHigh mountain ecology, geology, topography, rivers, creek valleys, rare animals and plants, and plentiful variety of forest types are some important resources for conservation. -
NP Taijiang
InformationSatellite ViewThe majority of the park is within the city of Tainan. In total, the park’s planned area stretches from the southern sea wall of Qingshan Fishing Harbor to the south bank of the Yanshui River and is mostly public coastal land. -
NP Taroko
InformationSatellite ViewThe rich and varied terrain that has nurtured an opulent plant and animal life in the Park is due in large part to the steep climb in altitude: from the Pacific Ocean on the east border of the Park to the peaks of the Central Mountain Range that make up the Park’s western border, one can go from sea level to well over 3000 meters in a day’s time. -
NP The South Penghu Marine National Park
InformationSatellite ViewMany species of migratory birds, such as terns, visit the islands. Small numbers of dolphins and smaller whales have recently returned to the waters while large baleen whales may still be in serious peril or became regionally extinct such as gray whales as the fossils discovered from here became the first records of the species from Taiwanese waters. There are coral reefs and many kinds of marine animals in the sea. 254 species of fish, including 28 newly discovered species, have been recorded. There are 154 species of coral. There are also aquatic plants. Part of the warm Kuroshio Current flows to Penghu, supporting the marine life -
NP Yangmingshan
InformationSatellite ViewThe National Park is famous for its cherry blossoms, hot springs, sulfur deposits, fumaroles, venomous snakes, and hiking trails, including Taiwan's tallest dormant volcano, Seven Star Mountain. Mt. Datun is one of the most well known places to see some of the 168 species of butterflies in northern Taiwan. The best time to view the butterflies is from May to August. There are also 122 species of birds in the region. -
NP Yushan
WebsiteSatellite ViewThe park was named after the summit Yushan, the highest peak of the park. The park is home to a large variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies. Between the months of March and May, visitors have the chance to see processions of butterflies fluttering through mountain valleys. -
WPA Gaomei Wetlands
InformationSatellite ViewGaomei Wetlands is a flat land which spans over 300 hectares, but it is only about 10% of Dadu River wetlands. -
Wildlife Refuges in Taiwan
WebsiteSatellite ViewMap & write-ups on a number of sanctuary areas
Sightings, News & Forums-
eBird
SightingseBirding This Month
Guides & Tour Operators-
Alpine Birding
Tour OperatorExplore Breeding Endemics with Migratory Birds and Lanyu Island via East Coast -
Bird Photo Tours ASIA
Tour OperatorBird-Photo-Tour ASIA’s Taiwan adventure explores an island that is still not that well-established on the world birding map, yet is a place with one of the highest concentrations of endemic birds in Asia and offers the opportunity for close photographic encounters with Mikado and Swinhoe’s Pheasants, as well as the rare and beautiful Collared Bush Robin. -
BirdFinders
Tour OperatorBarbet and Flamecrest, plus nearly 60 endemic subspecies that may attain full species status in the future. Also an extension to Okinawa, for Okinawa Woodpecker, Okinawa Rail and all the birds found on Lanyu Island, Taiwan. -
BirdQuest
Tour OperatorTAIWAN – The endemic-rich ‘Treasure Island’ in the China Sea -
Birding @ Taiwan
Tour OperatorAn emerald on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean - Taiwan is a safe, friendly country not only with good infrastructure, fascinating culture and delicious food but also with a strong conservation movement. -
Birding Ecotours
Tour OperatorTaiwan has more than 200 mountains that soar above 3,000 meters in height, and its unique geology and topography have created breathtaking scenery and alluring coastal scenes. Geographically, Taiwan is situated at the point where the Asian continental shelf meets the vast Pacific Ocean, providing it with an unparalleled ecological diversity and a huge number of plant and animal species concentrated in a relatively small place, perfect for ecotourism. -
Birding In Taiwan
Tour OperatorCome with us to enjoy the birds and culture of Taiwan. -
FieldGuides
Tour OperatorIt is the central mountains that contain all but one of Taiwan's 32 endemic birds, with another 56 subspecies also being endemic. -
Kaiyote Tours Birding Taiwan
Tour OperatorIf you are a birder, in Taiwan you will find 27 endemic species, with over 650 species in total. If you are a nature lover, besides the beautiful birds, you will find wonderful forests, canyons, mountains, stunning coastlines, lots of butterflies, fantastic local people, many interesting mammals and great food!! -
NatureTrek
Tour OperatorA 10-day tour focusing on Taiwan's endemic birdlife and stunning scenery. -
Rockjumper Birding Tours
Tour OperatorTaiwan - Spring Birding -
Taiwan Outdoors
Local Tour OperatorBirds of Central Taiwan – 3-Days / 2-Nights (Guided) -
TaiwanBirdGuide
Local Tour OperatorJoin us on a journey through Taiwan’s diverse habitats, from coastal wetlands to mountainous forests, and experience the incredible variety of bird species that call this island home. -
Tropical Birding
Tour OperatorTaiwan: Birding Formosan Endemics & Migration -
WINGS
Tour Operatoraiwan boasts an impressive array of 32 endemic species that include Taiwan Yuhina, Collared Bush Robin, White-eared Sibia, Steere’s Liocichla, and the more recently split Taiwan Cupwing, Taiwan Shortwing and Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler.
Trip Reports-
2016 [01 Jan] - Matthew Kwan
Report...around the 45K mark we suddenly saw a large shuttle bus stopped right in the middle of the road, we thought it was stalled so we tried to get past it, only when I was about to past the bus that we realise why they stopped. A pair of Mikado Pheasants were feeding right next to the road... -
2016 [05 May] - James Eaton
PDF Report...Our first bird of Taiwan was a rather unexpected gift, as for the past 18 months a Siberian Crane has taken upresidence near the northernmost point of the island, and today it was stood, all on its lonesome once again. Itspent most the hour we watched it trying to either scratch its radio-collar, or use it’s bill to try and snap off theshiny new ring it was sporting, while calling occasionally – you couldn’t help feel sorry for the fellow. In thewetlands we also found Plain and ‘Chinese’ Yellow-bellied Prinias, migrant Black-faced Bunting and someridiculously tame Chinese Spot-billed Ducks... -
2016 [06 June] - Glen Valentine
PDF ReportThis year's spring tour of Taiwan was not only a verysuccessful one from a birding perspective - seeing a completehaul of the island's endemics, and almost fifty of its endemicsubspecies - it was also a thoroughly fun-filled one to boot. -
2016 [08 August] - Ian Reid
PDF ReportTaiwan hosts quite nice array of 'gettable' endemics and other interesting species. I originally time - budgeted for 5 days but realised closer the time this was impossible to justify either domestically or workwise so shortened it considerably. -
2017 [05 May] - Arjan Brenkman & Jan van der Laan
PDF ReportIn 2017 we thought it was time for some comfort and good birds, so Taiwan was the place to go. Moreover, we learned that the Fairy Pitta population in the world was decreasing rapidly and Taiwan seems to be the best place for this species. Again, like in 2016, we went in the last week of April, a time good for endemics and Fairy Pitta. -
2018 [05 May] - Richard Foster & Mike Nelson
PDF ReportThis year’s tour was another great success and we spent several days in the mountains admiring such stunning birds as Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Taiwan Partridge and Collared Bush Robin. Some time in the foothills gave us the desired Fairy Pitta on their breeding grounds, singing Taiwan Hwamei, Chestnut-bellied Tit and Taiwan Blue Magpie. -
2018 [11 November] - Nick Athanus
PDF ReportTB’s inaugural Birding with a Camera tour to this fascinating island nation was a great success and also a tremendous amount of fun. We enjoyed near-perfect weather as we explored many of the best birding sites, seeing nearly 170 species and photographing most of them, including the vast majority of the avian endemics. -
2019 [04 April] - Joshua Bergmark
PDF ReportThe isle of Taiwan. This lovely East Asian country off the coast of China offers some high-quality, easy birding in a very well-developed setting. From searching for migrants in coastal fields and estuaries to traipsing through the cool and misty highlands where endemics abound, this tour has it all! A -
2019 [04 April] - Nich Athanas
PDF ReportThis was my second trip to Taiwan, and every bit as fun and successful as my last trip in November. Our group managed to see every endemic bird species, a feat that has become much less common following recent splits of several birds, most notably Taiwan Thrush. April is one of the best times to visit this island nation -
2020 [03 March] - Erik Forsyth
PDF Report...A fruiting tree held good numbers of the colorful Vivid Niltava and our first views of the smart endemic White-eared Sibia, while a flock of Warbling (Swinhoe’s) White-eye soon joined in the feeding frenzy... -
2023 [05 May] - Josh Beck
PDF Report.... I saw a male Mikado Pheasant very close to the parking area then between 2,0-2,75kms from the parking (ie, passing 24.2922, 121.0248) I saw 4 more Mikado Pheasant and finally found Taiwan Bullfinch... -
2024 [01 January] - David Hoddinott
PDF Report...We were soon enjoying wonderful views of the soughtafter Malayan Night Heron. Other species seen here included White-breasted Waterhen, Brown Shrike and Taiwan Barbet... -
2024 [03 March] - Andrew Lawson
PDF Report...A Black-tailed Gull also flew in and joined the throng. As the tide rose, a few Black-faced Spoonbill flew in and landed at the back of the reserve amongst the many hundreds of Wigeon... -
2024 [04 April] - Bent Otto Poulsen
PDF Report...Hengliu River; Second row left: Black-throated Bushtit; Second row right: Collared Finchbill; Third row left: White-eared Sibia; Third row right: White-whiskered Laughingthrush... -
2024 [05 May] - Alexander Lin-Moore
PDF Report...Nevertheless, I did score a couple new birds, including Crested Goshawk, several introduced White-rumped Shama, and some close encounters with Taiwan Barbet... -
2024 [05 May] - Erik Forsyth
PDF Report...it was here that we located a pair of the endemic, Black-necklaced Scimitar Babblers obtaining great looks. Shortly afterwards we found a bird flock containing several species including a pair of Black-naped Monarch, Black Bulbul, Grey Treepie and a fantastic and endemic and stunning Taiwan Blue Magpie at close range... -
2024 [05 May] - Sam Zhang
PDF ReportMy walk in the dark immediately yielded a few shorebirds rousing in roadside paddies, barely illuminated by street lamps, and upon arrival at my destination I was greeted by a Black-winged Kite and a vocal pair of Common Kingfishers. A few shorebirds and waders mosied about in the muddied riverbed. I was particularly enthusiastic about the funky Terek Sandpipers... -
2024 [06 June] - Kaeden Sim
PDF Report...driving along the road and stopping occasionally. Grey Treepies, Black Bulbuls and Bronzed Drongos were abundant. En route to Wulai, (24.8815920, 121.5427492), our vehicle suddenly screeched to a halt... -
2025 [01 January] - Nick Watmough
PDF ReportAn account of a short self-guided solo trip to Taiwan in January 2025 during which I saw 25/32 of the endemic taxa that currently enjoy full species rank plus several other desirable or range restricted East Asian species... -
2025 [04 April] - Peter Ericsson
ReportThe island is typical for many islands around the world in that it has been isolated for a long time and therefore has an unique avian fauna. Around 32 endemic species plus even more subspecies is to be found...
Other Links-
Birds of Taiwan
WebsiteWhat's so great about a list of bird names? After all, the names that men give are just a pale reflection of the birds themselves. Well, bird-lovers may rejoice in biodiversity, but in matters linguistic they tend to use common or garden English as a lowest common denominator. So, in the interest of 'lingua-diversity', here it is: a list of bird species of Taiwan, with names in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese -
Birds of Taiwan
PDF Bookl;etThis checklist of the birds of Taiwan was prepared by the Bird Records Committee, an official committee of the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation... -
Central Taiwan Birder
WebsiteThe Huben-Hushan area has been internationally identified as an IBA or Important Bird Area and is listed as one of Asia -
Endemic Birds of Taiwan
WebsiteThere are 14 endemic species of birds on the island, accounting for about 9% of all resident birds. There are another 69 endemic subspecies, accounting for another 45% of the local resident population
Blogs-
Wild Bird Society of Hualien
Facebook Page
Photographers & Artists-
Charles Lam
GallerySome great pics from his birding travells
Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide...
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