Taiwan Cupwing

Overview

The Taiwan cupwing (Pnoepyga formosana), also known as the Taiwan wren-babbler, is a small passerine bird endemic to the island of Taiwan. It was historically considered a subspecies of the scaly-breasted cupwing but is now recognised as a distinct species.

Identification

• Measures 8 to 9 cm in length with a seemingly tailless appearance.
• Olive-brown upperparts with a chest displaying a fish-scale pattern of pale scales on an almost black surface.
• Distinguished from the similar scaly-breasted cupwing by shorter wings and legs, as well as a more reddish-brown colouration.

Habitat

The species is endemic to the island of Taiwan.

Did you know?

For a long period, the Taiwan cupwing was treated taxonomically as a subspecies of the scaly-breasted cupwing rather than being classified as a separate entity.