Taiwan Hwamei

Overview

The Taiwan hwamei (Garrulax taewanus) is a passerine bird endemic to the island of Taiwan, formerly considered a subspecies of the Chinese hwamei. Classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife International, its population is estimated at 1,000–10,000 individuals.

Identification

• Approximately 24 centimetres long, primarily grey-brown in colour.
• Features heavy streaks on the crown, nape and back, with fine streaks covering much of the underparts.
• Distinguished from the Chinese hwamei by a lack of white eye markings and a less rufous colouration.
• Produces a long, melodious and varied whistling song.

Habitat

This species inhabits secondary woodland in the foothills and lower mountains of Taiwan, ranging up to 1,200 metres above sea level.

Diet

It forages alone, in pairs, or in small groups, searching amongst the understorey for insects and seeds.

Did you know?

The main threat to the species is hybridisation with introduced Chinese hwameis, which are imported to Taiwan for their songs but inadvertently release females that cannot sing, leading to significant genetic introgression.