Taiwan is an island located on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, Measuring just 394 kilometers in length and 140 kilometers in width, the island displays an incredible amount of geographical variation for such a small place. More than 42% of the total land area of Taiwan consists of mountain ranges. Scattered about the island are more than 100 peaks with altitudes in excess of 3,000 meters.

　Taiwan possesses both level plains and steep mountainous regions. Valleys created by the flow of water from the mountains to the sea crisscross much of the island. Taiwan's warm, humid climate and heavy rainfall have given rise to a rich and varied ecology. Both lush vegetation and numerous species of wildlife are found everywhere on the island.

　In order to promote education, wildlife conservation and tourism, Taiwan has established five national parks.

　Of the five national parks, Yangmingshan National Park is located closest to Taipei. It features a volcanic landscape and huge numbers of butterflies of many different varieties. Birds commonly found at low elevations are plentiful at Yangmingshan. With the exception of wild boars, no large mammals live within the confines of the park.

　Yushan National Park is situated in central Taiwan and features Taiwan's highest mountain peak, Yushan, which has an elevation of nearly 4,000 meters. With its vast amounts of virgin forests, Yushan National Park is host to a wide variety of species of flora. Here amateur botanists can examine plants and flowers commonly found in subtropical, temperate, and even frigid weather zones. Almost all the species of birds endemic to Taiwan are available for viewing at Yushan.

　Shei-Pa National Park, also located in central Taiwan, is the newest of the five parks. It is similar to Yushan, but is situated at a slightly lower elevation. This park too offers a wide variety of bird species, especially those commonly found at middle elevations.

　Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan offers spectacular coastal scenery. One of the best diving sites on the island, Kenting's shoreline abounds with coral and tropical fish. Each October large numbers of birds of prey migrate through the park. At the height of the migration period, about 2,000 Gray-faced Buzzard Eagles and 30,000 Chinese Sparrow Hawks pass through Kenting in a single day.

　Taroko National Park is located on the east coast of Taiwan. Taroko features mountain and ocean scenery as well as breathtakingly beautiful gorges. The Taroko area displays a wide variation in elevation, and as a result, many different species of plant and animal life are to he found. There are an estimated 130 species of birds inhabiting the park.

　Aside from the five national parks, Taiwan also boasts three national scenic areas. The Northeast Coast National Scenic Area is known for its majestic and varied coastal scenery. The East Coast National Scenic Area offers views of the Pacific Ocean and Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. The third designated scenic area is located 24 nautical miles off Taiwan's west coast. It consists of 64 small islands collectively known as the Penghu National Scenic Area. This area offers some of the best fishing and diving to be found anywhere in the world. Also located here are ancient ruins and burial sites. A huge number of terns make the Penghu archipelago a bird watcher's paradise.

Taiwan's Bird Habitats

　Taiwan is a suitable environment for birds because of its warm weather and abundant natural flora. It is also ideally situated as a stopover for migratory birds crossing the Pacific Ocean in either direction. There are roughly 440 species of birds to be found on the island. In other words, of the world's 8,600 species of birds, about one-twentieth can be found on Taiwan. In comparison, Japan plays host to approximately 500 species, the United States can claim 800 species, and mainland China is home to 1,200 species. For such a relatively small area, Taiwan enjoys a rich diversity of avifauna. 　

　Charactized zoogeographically, Taiwan's avifauna belong to the Oriental region. It is estimated that of the 440 species to be seen at any given time on the island, 40% are permanent residents, 40% are temporarily stopping over during their migration elsewhere, and 20% have simply lost their way. Taiwan's avifauna are distributed throughout the island according to their particular foraging and living requirements.

Cities and Towns

　In the cities and towns of Taiwan, relatively few species of birds are to be found. Of the few species that do make their home in heavily populated areas, the most common are the Japanese White-eye, Chinese Bulbul, and Tree Sparrow. Rural villages still provide an attractive habitat for many birds, however. In the agricultural fields surrounding small villages, one can easily spot the White rumped Munia, Nutmeg Mannikin, Black Drongo, Crested Myna, Magpie, and Brown Shrike. Rail, Grebe, and Egret live near Taiwan's rice paddies and lakes. Grassy fields and ranch land host a number species such as the Prinia, Fan-tailed Warbler, Lesser Coucal, and Red Turtle Dove. In the wooded areas near some cities visitors can often spot Crested Serpent Eagles. In the winter, the Kestrel is a common sight in farming fields.

Coastline and Swampland

　Surrounded on all sides by the ocean, a relatively large portion of Taiwan consists of swampland and coastline. Birds are attracted to watery areas because organic material which they depend on for food is carried in from the sea. Areas of Taiwan in which seasonal birds are especially concentrated include the Kuantu swampy region, the Ilan swampy region, Hsinchu's Keya estuary swampy area in northern Taiwan, central Taiwan's Tatu and Tsengwen estuaries, and the Kaoping estuary in southern Taiwan. Of the estimated 288 Black-faced Spoonbills still alive in the world today, 200 have been known to winter at the Tsengwen estuary.

High Mountain Frigid Zones

　Elevations over 3,300 meters are classified as frigid zones and consist mostly of fields of bamboo or wild grass. Due to cold temperatures, such environments are relatively barren and possess limited food resources. As a result, few birds live at such high altitudes. In Taiwan, visitors can spot the Wren and the Alpine Accentor in high mountain frigid zones, and very occasionally the Vinaceous Rosefinch and the Taiwan Laughing Thrush as well.

High-Elevation Mountain Areas

　In Taiwan, most elevations between 2,300 and 3,300 meters consist of evergreen forests. Bird watching at high altitudes is a real pleasure because of the clean air, beautiful scenery, and abundant birds with multi-colored feathers. Among the most common inhabitants of high-elevation mountain areas are the Verreaux's Bush Warbler and Streak-throated Fulvetta. Flitting among the trees are Taiwan Laughing Thrushes, Brown Bullfinches, Taiwan Barwings, Fire-breasted Flowerpeckers, Vinaceous Rosefinches, Coal Tits, and Taiwan Firecrests. Upon mountain paths one may see the occasional Mikado Pheasant, or Collared Bush Robins and Blyth's Parrotbills.

Mid-Elevation Mountain Areas

　In Taiwan, at elevations between 1,000 and 2,300 meters, one finds mixed forests of evergreen and deciduous trees. Rainfall and humidity are relatively high here, creating conditions that promote the growth of lush vegetation and complex forestation. It is in this habitat that Taiwan's forest birds are most active. The array of bird species to be found here include the White-tailed Blue Robin, Gray-sided Laughing Thrush, Thicket Flycatcher, and Gould's Fulvetta, all of which make their home in the forest undergrowth. Among the tree branches one can spot Green-backed Tits, Taiwan Yuhinas, Taiwan Sibias, Gray-cheeked Fulvettas, and Gray-headed Pygmy Woodpeckers.

Low-,Elevation Mountain Areas

　Taiwan's low-elevation mountain areas, situated at elevations of 1,000 meters or less, consist mainly of subtropical broad-leafed forests. Species of birds available for viewing include the Bamboo Partridge, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Black Bulbut, Formosan Blue Magpie, Muller's Barbet, Black-naped Blue Monarch Drongo, and Gray-throated Minivet. Visitors might also catch sight of Sparrow Hawks, Crested Goshawks, and House Swifts patrolling the sky.

Endemic Birds of Taiwan

　Taiwan is host to a large number of endemic birds. There 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.

1.Taiwan Firecrest
　This species of bird commonly inhabits evergreen forests in frigid zones at elevations of 2,000 meters or higher. The top of its head is yellow-orange with black crown stripes. Bird watchers should search for it among the trees, as this is where it is most active.

2.Steere's Liocichla
　This species of bird prefers to live among dense growths of vegetation at mid-level altitudes. Visitors often see Steere's Liocichla popping back and forth across hiking paths like little mice. They display olive colored bodies with a bright orange-yellow spot over the base of their beaks. They have a resonant call that sounds to the Chinese like "Ma, Chin Lai！", which means "Mother, come in！"

3.Mikado Pheasant
　The male bird of this species displays a blue-black body, a long, black tail ringed with white stripes, and a vividly red face. These birds can be found strolling on mountain trails at dawn and dusk with a calm, noble air which has earned them their name. Mikado ("emperor") Pheasants reside in mixed or evergreen forests at elevations of 1,800 meters or higher.

4.Taiwan Sibia
　These gregarious birds live in deciduous forests at elevations between 1,000 and 2,800 meters. They can be identified by their white eye stripe and orange belly. Taiwan Sibia begin singing at sunrise each morning. They have a warning call which sounds like gunfire.

5.Taiwan Yuhina
　These birds live at elevations between 700 and 3,300 meters. They display a deep brown crest and a beard stripe descending from their beaks. Taiwan Yuhina are unusual in that three or four mated couples will use the same nest for laying eggs, with each parent taking turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young after they hatch. Their call sounds like"So pleased to meet you, to meet you!"

6.Formosan Bulbul
　The Formosan Bulbul looks similar to the Chinese Bulbul, except that it displays a black crest and beard line. TheFormosan Bulbul resides in the same places as the Chinese Bulbul and has similar habits. Unlike the Chinese Bulbul, however, Formosan Bulbuls are distributed only over Hualien, Taitung and the Hengchun Peninsula.

7.Formosan Blue Magpie
　These birds are commonly found among deciduous forests at elevations of 1,800 meters or less. They live and travel in flocks. When flying overhead as a team they make a wonderous sight referred to in Taiwanese as 'The Array of Long Tails."

9.Swinhoe's Pheasant
　These birds reside in deciduous forests at elevations of 2,200 meters or less. Males of the species are extraordinarily beautiful. They have bright red faces and feet, white feathers on their heads, backs, and the center of their tails, and splendidly iridescent deep blue feathers everywhere else.

10.Taiwan Barwing
　These gregarious birds inhabit forests at altitudes betweenl,500 and 2,700 meters. They can often be spotted hanging upside down on branches and pecking at small insects.

11.Taiwan Whistling Thrush
　These large river birds live at altitudes of 2,200 meters or less. They prefer rocky and forested habitats in the vicinity of fast-flowing mountain streams. Taiwan Whistling Thrushes are a beautiful royal blue color. Their sharp calls resemble the sound of a car braking.

12.Taiwan Laughing Trush
　This species is found at elevations of at least 2,000 meters above sea level. Laughing Thrushes are often spotted foraging in garbage bins at mountain hostels. They are gregarious and energetic. Their call consists of a long, even whistle.

13.Collared Bush Robin
　Living at altitudes between 2,000 and 3,500 meters, this small mountain bird often appears on forest trails or in tree branches. Males display white coloration above their eyes and orange-red breast feathers.

The ten best watching sites in Taiwan

　Bird watching is possible during all four seasons in Taiwan. The following ten bird watching sites are among the best on the island. For other possible sites, please contact the Wild Bird Society of R.O.C.

Ocean Birds

Penghu Island

　The Penghu archipelago is located in the Taiwan Strait to the west of Taiwan. It includes 40 uninhabited islands, many of which serve as breeding grounds for ocean birds. Birds that breed in this area include the Black-naped Tem, Brown Noddy, and Bridled Tem. Every May and June countless terns hover about in the air, creating a wonderful viewing experience. Visitors can rent boats locally.

Water Birds

Ilan Swampy Area

　During the migrating and wintering period, which lasts from September to May of each year, enormous numbers of birds belonging to the families Charadriidae, Scolopacidae, and Anatidae can be spotted here. Among the major sites at Ilan are the Lanyang Estuary, Wushiherhchia, and Wuwei Port. The Ilan Swampy Area is about three hours by car from Taipei. Two-day trips can be arranged.

Ke,ya River Estuary

　Located adjacent to Hsincbu's seashore, this tidal area supports a wide variety of bird life. Each year, from September to May, a large number of migrant birds use this estuary as a rest stop. Such birds include the family Charadriidae, family Scolopacidae, family Anatidae, subfamily Turdinae, and family Ardeidae. Visitors can easily spend an entire day walking about this site. From Taipei city, it takes about two hours by car to reach the Keya River Estuary.

Tsengwen River Estuary

　The Tsengwen River Estuary is a thirty-minute car ride from Tainan City. A variety of water birds winter here. From October to May, the rare Black-faced Spoonbill can be sighted at Tsengwen.

Mountain Birds

Wulai

　Wulai is only forty minutes away from Taipei; the local bird watching trail runs along Tunghou Brook, which is close to the Wulai bus stop. Many kinds of mid-elevation mountain birds reside at Wulai during the winter months. The best months for bird watching are November to February.

Anmashan

　Anmashan is located at 2,300 meters above sea level along the Mt. Tahsueh Forest Road and is about a three-hour trip from Takbung. Anmashan offers a forest park area and cabin lodging. A number of different species of mid-elevation birds are found here throughout the year, and visitors can even remain snug in their cabins while bird watching.

Hohuanshan

　With an elevation of 3,500 meters, Hohuanshan has a climate suitable for high-elevation and frigid-weather birds. The Wren, Alpine Accentor, and Taiwan Laughing Thrush are common here. The best months of the year for bird watching are June and July. At the top of Hohuanshan there is. a lodge, Sunghsuehlou, where visitors can spend the night. Hohuanshan is approximately five hours by car from Taichung.

Hsitou

　By car, Hsitou is three hours from Taichung City. Situated at an elevation of 850 meters, it is an ideal spot for viewing mid-elevation mountain birds. Hsitou is especially well-known for the abundance of subfamily Timalinae birds found there. Bird watching is possible all year, but the best time to visit is during the breeding season, from April to May.

Alishan

　Alishan is 2,000 meters above sea level and takes about two hours to reach by car from Chiayi. Alishan boasts a number of cherry trees, and when they blossom in May and June, many kinds of birds collect here. An entire day, or several days, can be spent enjoying the birds, flowers, and mountain scenery at Alishan.

Yushan National Park

　Yushan National Park offers excellent bird watching during summer, fall, and spring. Most of Taiwan's endemic species are to be found here. For visitors with only a few hours to spare, Tatachia Saddle is the best bird watching site. Lodging is available at the Tungpu Hostel nearby.

　If time allows, it is well worthwhile to make the hike from Tungpu through the Patungkuan Ancient Path to Kuankao. The trip takes about eight hours on foot. Visitors will see a wide range of mid-elevation to high-elevation birds, and might even encounter the Mikado Pheasant at Kuankao. For a complete round trip, including a day at Tungpu, visitors should plan on spending three days.

Ground Rules of Bird Watching

　All human activity in nature causes some degree of disturbance to wild animals. In order to minimize negative effects, please follow the following rules when in a natural setting:

1. When bird watching, never get too close to birds that are building their nests or feeding their chicks. Remember to maintain an appropriate distance when bird watching, and to avoid any behavior which may alarm parent birds and possibly cause them to abandon the nest and leave their young to die.
2. Do not use flash attachments when photographing birds, as this may startle them. Instead, make use of natural light.
3. Some birds are naturally shy and dwell in places which make it difficult for them to be observed. Do not use inappropriate means to induce these birds to show themselves, such as playing birdsong tapes or throwing stones in their direction.
4. You should never chase birds, as some of them may be physically weakened from travel or other exertions and are therefore in need of rest. By chasing them you may exhaust them further or even cause their death.

Notes for Bird Watchers

1. Prepare a pair of binoculars with a magnification power of 7 to 10. These are suitable for observing mountain birds that are small and active in densely forested areas. Telescopes with a magnifying power of around 25 are suitable for watching birds at long distances or for watching closely groups of birds gathering to rest or forage in one particular spot.
2. Prepare a field guide and use it as a reference whenever you either cannot identify or are uncertain as to the identity of the birds you see.
3. Wear clothes that are comfortable, light, durable, and of colors that will easily blend in with the natural surroundings.
4. Safety is of prime importance. Be careful of steep cliffs, failing rocks, and deep waters. Beware of losing your way in unfamiliar surroundings.
5. Keep the natural environment clean and unspoiled.
6. Obey the rules. Do not intrude in restricted areas such as wildlife reserves, military installations, and private property.