TAIWAN Formosan Endemics

A Tropical Birding Custom Tour

June 14 – 22, 2019

Guides: Ken Behrens & Kuan Chieh Hung/貫捷洪

Report and photos by Ken Behrens

TOUR SUMMARY

Taiwan is a gem of a country that lies off the coast of East Asia. Although its mention evokes huge urban areas and massive populations in the minds of most, Taiwan actually boasts rugged mountains and vast wilderness areas. These support a rich array of wildlife, including dozens of endemic bird species and even more endemic subspecies, many of which are potential future splits. Taiwan is a comfortable place to travel, with modern hotels, world-class roads, and excellent food. Whether you’re an experienced Asia-phile birder seeking out the island’s endemic birds, or a newcomer to this part of the world, Taiwan is an excellent place to visit. This short trip was a bit unusual in a couple respects. For one, it was during the summer, whereas most birding tours run during the spring season. Although in June, the winter and passage birds were gone, it was if anything better for the endemic birds. This custom trip was also somewhat unusual in its hybrid approach, as we tried to see all the endemic birds, photograph as many birds as possible (as on a “Birding with a Camera” tour), plus to see as much other wildlife as we could manage. We were highly successful on all fronts.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 With the endemic birds, we saw all 28 endemic species recognized on the current Clements list, plus several highly likely future splits, and dozens more endemic subspecies, some of which may be elevated to full endemic species in the future. Some of the highlights were stunning views of a pair of Mikado Pheasants at (literally) arm’s length, intimate encounters with Flamecrest, Black-necklaced We had ridiculously great views of the elusive endemic Black- Scimitar-Babbler, and all the necklaced Scimitar-Babbler at Dasyeushan. laughingthrushes, and several excellent sightings of the island’s most elusive endemic: Taiwan Thrush. Taiwan Bamboo Partridge was actually the endemic that gave us the most trouble, but our persistence eventually paid off with great views. One of the outstanding things about Taiwan is that although it has only one or two representatives of many major Asian groups of birds, an unusually high proportion of these are the coolest member of the group! A few examples that I’d argue are Taiwan Yuhina, Firecrest, White- eared Sibia, Steere’s Liocichla, Taiwan Blue-Magpie, and Taiwan Barwing. Taiwan might not have a vast set of endemics, but all of its endemics are very cool birds. Even the drab-looking Taiwan Bush-Warbler It’s not an endemic, but Taiwan is the best place on Earth to see Malayan Night-Heron, which is very tricky elsewhere.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 boasts one of the coolest songs among Asian birds! Although the endemics were the avian focus, there were plenty of cool non-endemic birds. Chief among these was the increasingly rare Fairy Pitta, which we manage to see due to the efforts of our excellent local guide Kuan Chieh, a.k.a. “Chuck”. This was also one of the very few birding tours that managed to see all three of Taiwan’s woodpeckers, the scarcest of which is Gray-headed. A couple of nocturnal excursions produced many prizes, including Mountain Scops-Owl, Northern Boobook, several species of frogs, a Red-and-white Flying-Squirrel, and a beautiful Taiwanese Habu snake. The weather throughout our tour was ideal, with clear blue skies and very little rain. This allowed us to enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. Despite being on a relatively small island, it is easy in Taiwan to forget that you’re not somewhere in the heart of the mighty Himalayas! This trip was a lot like Taiwan itself: a great deal packed into a small space. When it was over, it was hard to believe that it had only been 8 days long!

Chestnut-bellied Tit is one of Taiwan’s more elusive endemics.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 ITINERARY

June 14 Arrival in Taiwan. Night in Taoyuan. June 15 Taoyuan to Shimen Dam to Daxueshan. June 16-17 Daxueshan. June 18 Dongshi to Qingjing. June 19 Wuling Pass / Hehuanshan to Toroko Gorge NP to Hualien, and back. June 20 Qingjing to Yushan NP to Alishan. June 21 Alishan to Tainan area to Douliu. June 22 Douliu to Taoyuan. Departure.

Collared Finchbill is an odd bulbul that is quite common in lower-elevation forest and scrub.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 PHOTO GALLERY

On our final full day, we searched for waterbirds around Tainan. One of the highlights was many Pheasant-tailed Jacanas in breeding plumage.

Taroko Gorge has some spectacular scenery, and lots of red bridges.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Taiwan Whistling-Thrush (left) and Fire-breasted Flowerpecker (right).

Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler has an endemic Taiwanese subspecies.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

A couple of elusive endemics: Taiwan Cupwing (left) and Taiwan Thrush (right).

Rufous-faced Warbler is astoundingly common in Taiwan.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

We visited a couple of beautiful temples.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Golden-headed Cisticola in full breeding plumage near Puli. Not bad for a cisticola!

The taxon of Vivid Niltava in Taiwan is likely to be split as an additional endemic.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

It took some nerve-wracking patience, but we eventually came face-to-face with Mikado Pheasant.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Taiwan Fulvetta (left) and “Owston’s” Gray-headed Bullfinch (right) are specialties of the highest elevations.

Golden Parrotbill has a distinctive Taiwanese subspecies that is another likely future split.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Taiwan Blue-Magpie: what a fabulous bird!

When you’re in the middle of them, Taiwan’s rugged mountains seem endless.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

It was an unusual treat to see a female Swinhoe’s Pheasant high in a tree!

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Black Bulbul, yet another distinctive Taiwanese subspecies: “Velvety Bulbul”.

Immature Malayan Night-Heron is perhaps even cooler than the adult bird!

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Flamecrest is a Taiwanese endemic that is easily the coolest member of its family.

Taiwanese Rosefinch (left) and Striated Prinia (right).

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Taiwan Barwing… yup, it’s the coolest barwing.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Brown Dipper is one of the wonderful widespread Asian birds found in Taiwan.

Steere’s Liocichla. Is it the coolest liocichla? Yup.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

White-whiskered Laughingthrush is common and tame in the high mountains.

You guessed it… some more endemics: Collared Bush-Robin (left) and Formosan Odd-scaled Snake (right).

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Formosan Rock Macaque, a sturdy monkey with lots of character.

Yellow Tit singing away on Hehuanshan.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

White-eared Sibia, a glorious endemic bird.

Taiwan Hwamei is being genetically swamped by introduced Chinese Hwameis.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Taiwan Bush-Warbler (left) and Taiwan Yuhina (right).

Taiwan Partridge is a beauty, like all the members of its genus.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019

Female Mikado Pheasant is a beauty in her own right.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 BIRD LIST

Taxonomy and nomenclature follow The eBird-Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World v2018 (including updates through August 2018).

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl (Anatidae) Eastern Spot-billed Duck Anas zonorhyncha Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies (Phasianidae) E NT Taiwan Partridge Arborophila crudigularis E Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge Bambusicola sonorivox E NT Mikado Pheasant Syrmaticus mikado E NT Swinhoe's Pheasant Lophura swinhoii Grebes (Podicipedidae) Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Pigeons and Doves (Columbidae) I Rock Pigeon Columba livia Ashy Wood-Pigeon Columba pulchricollis Essp Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis orii Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Asian Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica White-bellied Pigeon Treron sieboldii Cuckoos (Cuculidae) Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus Large Hawk-Cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides H Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus optatus Nightjars and Allies (Caprimulgidae) Essp Savanna Nightjar Caprimulgus affinis stictomus Swifts (Apodidae) Hirundapus cochinchinensis Essp Silver-backed (Formosan) Needletail formosanus BM Pacific Swift Apus pacificus Essp House Swift Apus nipalensis kuntzi Rails, Gallinules, and Coots (Rallidae) Eurasian Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Stilts and Avocets (Recurvirostridae) Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Plovers and Lapwings (Charadriidae) Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Painted-Snipes (Rostratulidae) Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Jacanas (Jacanidae) Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus Pratincoles and Coursers (Glareolidae) BM Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers (Laridae) Little Tern Sternula albifrons Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana BM Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae) Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns (Ardeidae) Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis NBM Gray Heron Ardea cinerea NBM Great Egret Ardea alba Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Little Egret Egretta garzetta Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Striated Heron Butorides striata Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Malayan Night-Heron Gorsachius melanolophus Ibises and Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) I Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Hawks, Eagles, and Kites (Accipitridae) Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Essp* Crested (Taiwan) Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela hoya Black Eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis Essp Crested (Formosan) Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus formosae Essp Besra Accipiter virgatus fuscipectus Black Kite Milvus migrans Owls (Strigidae) Essp Mountain Scops-Owl Otus spilocephalus hambroecki Essp Collared Scops-Owl Otus lettia glabripes Essp Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei pardalotum H Northern Boobook Ninox japonica totogo Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis G Asian Barbets (Megalaimidae) E Taiwan Barbet Psilopogon nuchalis Woodpeckers (Picidae) Gray-capped (Pygmy) Woodpecker Dendrocopos canicapillus Essp White-backed (Taiwan) Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos insularis Gray-headed Woodpecker Picus canus tancolo Pittas (Pittidae) BM VU Fairy Pitta Pitta nympha Cuckooshrikes (Campephagidae) Gray-chinned Minivet Pericrocotus solaris Shrikes (Laniidae) Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis (Vireonidae) White-bellied Erpornis Erpornis zantholeuca Old World Orioles (Oriolidae) Essp* Maroon (Red) Oriole Oriolus traillii ardens Drongos (Dicruridae) Essp Black (Hartert's) Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus harterti Essp Bronzed (Taiwan) Drongo Dicrurus aeneus braunianus Monarch Flycatchers (Monarchidae) Essp Black-naped (Oberholtzer's) Monarch Hypothymis azurea oberholseri

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 Crows, Jays, and Magpies (Corvidae) Essp Eurasian (Taiwan) Jay Garrulus glandarius taivanus E Taiwan Blue-Magpie Urocissa caerulea Essp Gray (Formosan) Treepie Dendrocitta formosae formosae Oriental Magpie Pica serica Essp Eurasian (Owston's) Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes owstoni Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos colonorum Swallows (Hirundinidae) Gray-throated Martin Riparia chinensis BM Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica Striated Swallow Cecropis striolata striolata Asian House-Martin Delichon dasypus Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice (Paridae) Essp (Taiwan) Coal Tit Periparus ater ptilosus E Chestnut-bellied Tit Sittiparus castaneoventris Essp Green-backed Tit Parus monticolus insperatus E NT Taiwan Yellow Tit Machlolophus holsti Long-tailed Tits (Aegithalidae) Black-throated Tit Aegithalos concinnus Nuthatches (Sittidae) Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea Wrens (Troglodytidae) Essp Eurasian (Taiwan) Wren Troglodytes troglodytes taivanus Dippers (Cinclidae) Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae) Essp Collared (Grey-headed) Finchbill Spizixos semitorques cinereicapillus E VU Styan's (Taiwan) Bulbul Pycnonotus taivanus Essp Light-vented (Formosan) Bulbul Pycnonotus sinensis formosae Essp Black (Velvety) Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus nigerrimus Kinglets (Regulidae) E Flamecrest Regulus goodfellowi Cupwings (Pnoepygidae) E Taiwan Cupwing Pnoepyga formosana Bush Warblers and Allies (Scotocercidae) Rufous-faced Warbler Abroscopus albogularis Essp* Brownish-flanked (Strong-footed) Bush-Warbler Horornis fortipes robustipes Essp Yellowish-bellied (Taiwan) Bush-Warbler Horornis acanthizoides concolor Grassbirds and Allies (Locustellidae) E Taiwan Bush Warbler Locustella alishanensis Cisticolas and Allies (Cisticolidae) Essp Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera striata Yellow-bellied Prinia Prinia flaviventris Essp Plain Prinia Prinia inornata flavirostris Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Essp Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis volitans Parrotbills, Wrentit, and Allies (Paradoxornithidae) E Taiwan Fulvetta Fulvetta formosana Essp Vinous-throated (Pink-headed) Parrotbill Sinosuthora webbiana bulomacha Essp Golden (Morrison's) Parrotbill Suthora verreauxi morrisoniana

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies (Zosteropidae) E Taiwan Yuhina Yuhina brunneiceps Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies (Timaliidae) Essp Rufous-capped (Bright-faced) Babbler Cyanoderma ruficeps praecognitum E Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus musicus E Black-necklaced Scimitar-Babbler Megapomatorhinus erythrocnemis Ground Babblers and Allies (Pellorneidae) Essp Dusky (Brown) Fulvetta Schoeniparus b. brunneus Laughingthrushes and Allies (Leiothrichidae) E Morrison's Fulvetta Alcippe morrisonia E NT Taiwan Hwamei Garrulax taewanus E Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush Ianthocincla ruficeps E Rusty Laughingthrush Ianthocincla poecilorhyncha E White-whiskered Laughingthrush Trochalopteron morrisonianum E White-eared Sibia Heterophasia auricularis E Steere's Liocichla Liocichla steerii E Taiwan Barwing Actinodura morrisoniana Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae) BM Ferruginous Flycatcher Muscicapa ferruginea I Oriental Magpie-Robin Copsychus saularis Essp* Vivid (Taiwan) Niltava Niltava v. vivida E* Taiwan (White-browed) Shortwing Brachypteryx (montana) goodfellowi E Taiwan Whistling-Thrush Myophonus insularis Essp White-tailed (Mountain) Robin Myiomela leucura montium Essp* White-browed Bush-Robin (Taiwan Robin) Tarsiger indicus formosanus E Collared Bush-Robin Tarsiger johnstoniae Essp Snowy-browed (Taiwan) Flycatcher Ficedula hyperythra innexa Essp Plumbeous Redstart Phoenicurus fuliginosus affinis Thrushes and Allies (Turdidae) E Taiwan (Island) Thrush Turdus niveiceps Starlings (Sturnidae) I Asian Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis I Black-collared Starling Gracupica nigricollis I Common Myna Acridotheres tristis I Javan Myna Acridotheres javanicus Essp Crested (Formosan) Myna Acridotheres cristatellus formosanus Flowerpeckers (Dicaeidae) Essp Fire-breasted (Formosan) Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus formosum Accentors (Prunellidae) Essp Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris fennelli Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae) White Wagtail Motacilla alba Finches, Euphonias, and Allies (Fringillidae) E Taiwan Rosefinch Carpodacus formosanus Essp Brown (Uchida's) Bullfinch Pyrrhula nipalensis uchidae Essp* Gray-headed (Owston's) Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythaca owstoni Old World Sparrows (Passeridae) Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Waxbills and Allies (Estrildidae) I Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Bold / E = Endemic G = Guide-only Essp = Endemic Subspecies H = Heard-only

MAMMAL LIST

OLD WORLD MONKEYS: Cercopithecidae E Formosan Rock Macaque Macaca cyclopsis SQUIRRELS: Sciuridae Essp Red-and-white Flying-Squirrel Petaurista alborufus lena Essp Maritime (Formosan) Striped Squirrel Tamiops maritimus formosanus Essp Perny's (Owston's) Long-nosed Squirrel Dremomys pernyi owstoni Essp Pallas's (Formosan) Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus taiwanensis WEASELS: Mustelidae Essp Siberian (Golden) Weasel Mustela sibirica taivana DEER: Cervidae Essp Reeve's Muntjac BOVIDS: Bovidae E (Formosan) Serow Capricornis swinhoei

Bold / E = Endemic Essp = Endemic Subspecies

REPTILE LIST

AGAMAS: Agamidae E Swinhoe's Japalura Japalura swinhonis SKINKS: Scincidae Long-tailed Mabuya Eutropis longicaudata Xenodermatidae Formosan Odd-scaled Snake Achalinus formosanus VIPERS: Viperidae E Taiwanese Habu Protobothrops mucrosquamatus

Bold / E = Endemic

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 AMPHIBIAN LIST

TOADS: Bufonidae E Central Formosan Toad Bufo bankorensis G FROGS: Ranidae Latouchti's Frog Rana latouchii TREEFROGS: Rhacophoridae Temple Tree Frog Kurixalus idiootocus Robust Kajika Frog Buergeria robusta NARROW-MOUTHED FROGS: Microhylidae Ornate Narrow-mouthed Frog Microhyla ornata H

Bold / E = Endemic G = guide-only

Taiwan Barbet is one of only a few avian endemics that are restricted to lower elevations.

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019 BUTTERFLY LIST

MILKWEED BUTTERFLIES: Danainae Striped Blue Crow Euploea mulciber barsine Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala septentrionis BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES: Nymphalinae Sailor sp. Neptis sp. Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus Common Mapwing Cyrestis thydomas formosana Common Duffer Discophora sondaica Scarce Tortoiseshell Nymphalis xanthomelas Veined Labyrinth Neope pulaha Dark Evening Brown Melanitis phedima Libythea lepita GOSSAMER-WINGED BUTTERFLIES: Lycaenidae Sapphire sp Heliophorus ila Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus Cerulean sp. Jamides alecto dromicus Dark Cerulean Jamides bochus Line Blue sp. Prosotas sp. PIERID BUTTERFLIES: Pieridae Lesser Gull Cepora nadina SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLIES: Papilionidae Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon connectens Chinese Peacock Butterfly Papilio bionor thrasymedes Common Mormon Papilio polytes pasikrates Spangle Swallowtail Papilio protenor Red Helen Swallowtail Papilio helenus Swallowtail sp. Papilio hermosanus Formosan Swallowtail Papilio thaiwanus SKIPPERS: Hesperiidae Restricted Demon Notocrypta curvifascia

Taiwan: Formosan Endemics June 14-22, 2019