Birds in Taiwan

Endemic Species

Collared Bush-Robin

Flamecrest

Formosan Magpie

Formosan Whistling-Thrush

Mikado Pheasant

Steere's Liocichla

Styan's Bulbul

Swinhoe's Pheasant

Taiwan Barwing

Taiwan Bush-Warbler

Taiwan Partridge

Taiwan Yuhina

White-eared Sibia

White-whiskered Laughingthrush

Yellow Tit

Endemic Sub-Species

Black-browed Barbet

Bronzed Drongo

Collared Finchbill

Hwamei

Black-naped Oriole

Oriolus chinensis diffusus

             Black-naped Oriole is a medium-sized yellow and black bird.  The male is bright yellow except for a broad black stripe through the eye, widening into a broader black band around the nape and hind crown, and black-and-yellow wings and tail.  The female and subadult male are similar but the mantle is yellow-olive; the immature is yellowish-green above and cream with black streaks below.  The oriole inhabits lowland open forests and plantations, living in pairs or family parties.  It usually stays high in large trees, but will descend lower in search of insects and berries for food.   

            The diffusus subspecies of Black-naped Oriole is locally common in lowlands up to 1600 m in South-East Asia, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and eastern China.  In the 19^th Century, it was also common in Taiwan, but has become rare and endangered due to habitat loss, and capture for the cage bird trade. 

             In Taiwan, the only reliable place to see it during the breeding season is on the Inda Eco-farm in Pingtung County.  During the non-breeding season, it is occasionally found elsewhere. 

            Black-naped Oriole is now legally protected under Taiwan law as a Category II Conservation Species.