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

Black-naped Monarch

Black Bulbul

Black Drongo

Taiwan Yuhina

Yuhina brunneiceps

Endemic

            A medium-sized, 13 cm yuhina.  Spiky, crested crown chestnut bordered on each side by a black line; lores, cheeks, ear coverts, and nape are white.  Black moustachial streak extends into black line around ear coverts to the back of eye.  Back, wings and tail are olive-brown.  Throat and upper breast are white finely streaked with black.  Lower breast whitish with gray wash, belly white, flanks chestnut and white.  Sexes similar.  Iris, red; bill, black; legs dull yellow.

            Found in temperate forests, 1,000–3,300 m.

            Gregarious, active and quite tame.  Keeps to lower forest and often joins other species in mixed flocks, especially with tits and small babblers.  Food is mainly nectar, flowers, berries, and insects. They are especially fond of the flowers of the Chinese tulip tree and the fruits of the elaeagnaceae and idesia trees.  They may also be seen hanging upside down in cherry trees.   The call sounds like “twi-MI-chiu,” resembling the English phrase “we MEET you.”  Feeding flocks maintain a constant soft chatter.  Breeding season is from May to June.  Usually nests in trees.  Clutch size 4–8 eggs.  Co-operative breeder.

            Taiwan Yuhina, also known as Formosan Yuhina, is a common resident.

References:  Endemic Species of Taiwan, compiled by Greenland Ecology Conservation Association of R.O.C.

                       The Complete Guide to Birds in Taiwan, by Jin-yuan Wang

                      www.gio.gov.tw/info/ecology/English