Taiwan Whistling Thrush

Overview

The Taiwan whistling thrush (Myophonus insularis), also known as the Formosan whistling thrush, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Taiwan and classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length is 28 to 30 cm, with wings 15 to 16 cm long.
• Plumage is mostly blackish-blue, with some navy blue or metallic blue feathers and scaled neck, breast, and flanks.
• Deep red eyes contrast with black lores, bill, and legs.
• Song consists of loud, melodious whistles, while the call is a sharp whistle described as 'screee'.

Habitat

This thrush is endemic to Taiwan, where it inhabits subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is found at elevations up to 2,700 m and often frequents dark, forested ravines in the mountains.

Diet

The diet consists of shrimp, earthworms, insects, frogs, reptiles, and fish. It forages in or near streams, often jumping among rocks in forest watercourses.

Did you know?

Swinhoe originally called it the 'Formosan cavern-bird' because it inhabits the dark, forested ravines in the mountains.