Taiwan academic assists troubled youthsTaiwan bird diversity praised by US magazine

2015-04-20

Taiwan’s credentials as a world-class destination for bird-watching were celebrated in the March issue of Birder’s Guide to Travel published by American Birding Association.

Given its location and mountainous regions, Taiwan is home to 77 endemic bird species, with at least one addition to this number every other year, according to the article “Taiwan: The Beautiful Island.”

“Almost every one of Taiwan’s endemics are knock-out charismatic birds, and quality definitely wins over quantity on this score,” the article said, adding that it is feasible for a visiting birder to find close to 100 varieties on a regular one- to two-week trip.

The mid- to high-altitude mixed broad-leafed and coniferous forests support most of the endemics. Among these, the Mikado pheasant, aka king of the mists, is renowned for its elegant plumage and secretive habits. At the same time, Swinhoe’s pheasant has long been considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world, according to the article.

Although these rare species were once difficult to find, the article said, sightings have become more frequent in recent years as a result of feeding stations installed nationwide.

The island’s other endemics are much easier to find. In the highlands of Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area in Taichung City, central Taiwan, it is possible to see 17-20 species in a day or two, including Taiwan barbet, Taiwan yuhina and white-eared sibia, the article said.

“Even in the middle of busy Taipei, Guandu Nature Park holds thousands of migrant shorebirds,” the article said, adding that wetlands in other parts of the country are habitats to some of the world’s most sought-after water birds such as Baer’s pochard and scaly-sided merganser.

“Being located astride one wing of the East Asian flyway, Taiwan is a critical stopover point for migrants between mainland China and the Philippines.”

Thousands of migratory birds and waterfowl pass through the island from September to October and March to April every year. These include the Siberian rubythroat and half of the world’s black-faced spoonbills—now numbering around 2,500—that faithfully spend each winter in southern Taiwan.

The article suggests the best time for bird-watching is the last two weeks of April, when the summer and winter migrants overlap, and the endemics and breeding species are active. “Taiwan is ready to take its rightful place on birding’s global stage and does not disappoint any birding traveler.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=229424&CtNode=413)