鳥類知識科普

The Gris-throated Minivet (Pericrocotus solaris) is a common resident bird in Taiwan, belonging to the minivet family. It mainly inhabits the upper layers of mid- to low-altitude broadleaf forests and is often seen in pairs or flocks moving among the treetops. The male has a gray-black head and back, a gray throat, and bright orange-red on its chest, belly, and lower back. Its black wings also feature striking orange-red wing patches. The tail feathers are also tinged with orange-red, with the two central feathers being black. The female replaces the male's orange-red with bright yellow, so when a flock of Gris-throated Minivets is active, you can often see a mix of red and yellow colors. Gris-throated Minivets primarily feed on insects but also eat berries. They often perch on the tips of branches, flying among the treetops to catch insects, and sometimes join mixed-species flocks. They are usually seen in pairs during the breeding season, but may form larger groups in autumn and winter. They also build small cup-shaped nests at branch forks using materials like moss and ferns. Due to their vibrant plumage, they are also known as 'Xibanzi' (戲班仔鳥) in Taiwan, meaning 'theater troupe bird'; the Forestry Research Institute has also described their striking appearance as 'little chili peppers'. Therefore, if you see a flock of small red and yellow birds rapidly flying among the treetops in the mountains, they are likely these conspicuous 'little chili peppers' – the Gris-throated Minivets. Image source: https://share.google/MFqBKPFrhhyQVPShu https://share.google/bXgH3mxCw4MtbsdYA

The Flame-crested Firecrest (Regulus goodfellowi), also known as the Taiwan Firecrest, is a bird endemic to Taiwan, primarily inhabiting mid- to high-altitude coniferous forests and mixed coniferous-broadleaf forests. It's a very tiny bird, about 9 cm long and weighing around 7 grams. Its most striking feature is the small, bright crest on the top of its head. Males have an orange-red center on their crown, while females are mainly yellow. Combined with black and white head feathers, they look like they're wearing a miniature crown. Flame-crested Firecrests are lively and active, often hopping and flitting among the middle and upper branches of coniferous trees like hemlocks and firs, searching for small insects. In winter, some individuals move to lower altitudes. Due to their small size and quick movements, it's not easy to observe them closely in the mountains. Occasionally, you might spot a small, fast-moving figure among the branches, and upon closer inspection, realize it's a Flame-crested Firecrest with its 'little crown'. Small in size, yet with a conspicuous crest – that's its most charming characteristic. Image source: https://share.google/ewShg22ejwGUNwyI8

The Black-throated Bushtit (Aegithalos concinnus), also known as the Black-throated Long-tailed Tit, is a small bird belonging to the family Aegithalidae. In Taiwan, it is mainly found in mountain forests, typically at altitudes of around 1,000 meters or higher, and moves to lower elevations in winter. It is a common resident bird in Taiwan and not an endemic species. Its most striking feature is its chestnut-red crown and nape, contrasted by black facial and throat patches, and chestnut-red bands across its chest. The back is mostly gray, the underparts are primarily white, and it has a relatively long tail, giving it a small and agile appearance. The male and female birds are generally similar in appearance. Black-throated Bushtits are lively and often dart quickly through the middle and upper branches of trees and shrubs. They sometimes hop among thin branches or even hang upside down while searching for food. They usually move in flocks, and it's common to see dozens moving together, occasionally forming mixed flocks with other small bird species. Their diet mainly consists of insects, with small amounts of fruits and seeds also consumed. They are quite agile when foraging, often searching for food among branches and leaves while making small chirping sounds to communicate with their companions. Image source: https://share.google/1MZCZDy7NLzBB7DSK https://share.google/yUjxKZqzKD8itj5Lu

Steere's Laughingthrush (scientific name Liocichla steerii), also known as the Steere's Liocichla or Yellow-breasted Laughingthrush, is an endemic bird species of Taiwan. It primarily inhabts forests, shrublands, and forest edge environments in mid-elevation mountainous areas, sometimes descending to lower altitudes in winter. Its body is generally olive-green, with a grayish-black head. The most striking feature is a small patch of orange-yellow below and in front of the eye, resembling a tiny 'beauty mark' on its face. The chest and belly are olive-yellow, and the wings and tail feathers have yellow, black, and white details. It measures about 17 cm in length. Steere's Laughingthrush typically forages in the forest understory, dense shrubbery, or grasslands, often appearing alone or in small groups. It feeds on insects, fruits, and seeds, and is agile in its movements. When startled, it quickly darts into dense vegetation, leading to the saying that sometimes 'you only hear its song, but never see the bird'. It's also a very vocal bird in the mountains, with its clear, loud calls especially easy to hear in the early morning. The next time you're hiking in the Taiwanese mountains and hear lively bird calls from the bushes, take a closer look. You might just spot this charming little yellow sprite. Image source: https://share.google/BRFmSOGIeW6HcHHMY

The Taiwan Whistling Thrush (Myophonus insularis) is an endemic bird species of Taiwan, primarily inhabiting mountain streams, rivers, canyons, and rocky areas in mid- to low-altitude forests. It measures about 28–30 cm in length, with its body predominantly black, blue, and purplish-blue, and its feathers having a distinct metallic sheen. Depending on the light, it can appear almost black or shimmer with a beautiful blue-purple hue, earning it the nickname 'Glazed Bird'. The Taiwan Whistling Thrush is often found active on rocks and in damp areas near streams, feeding mainly on invertebrates like earthworms and insects. It also preys on small animals such as frogs, lizards, fish, and shrimp. Its call is also quite distinctive; its sharp whistling sound is often described as the sound of bicycle brakes. During the breeding season, its calls become richer and more melodious. Next time you're near a mountain stream, keep an eye on the rocks and forest edges. You might just spot this mysterious spirit of Taiwan's streams, a flash of blue-purple disappearing from view. Image source: https://share.google/Yg1rUq3GEDOKBVV2s

The White-browed Shortwing (Tarsiger johnstoniae) is an avian species endemic to Taiwan, primarily inhabiting forests and shrublands in mid-to-high altitude mountainous areas. The most striking feature of the male is its black head and back, complemented by white eyebrows, and distinct orange-red feathers on its chest and rump. The female is mainly olive-brown, with more subdued plumage. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates like insects and is often seen foraging near forest edges, shrubbery, and mountain trails. The White-browed Shortwing undertakes vertical migration with the seasons, typically residing at higher altitudes during the breeding season and moving to lower elevations during the non-breeding period. Its vivid orange-red plumage makes it a very cute and easily recognizable small bird in Taiwan's high-mountain forests. Image source: https://share.google/4WPTtYTpvS1MGdBBH

The Taiwan Yellow Tit (Machlolophus holsti) is an avian species endemic to Taiwan and a highly representative endemic bird of the tit family. It is primarily distributed in forests of mid-to-high altitude mountainous areas, commonly found in broadleaf forests and mixed coniferous-broadleaf forests at altitudes of approximately 700 to 2,500 meters. The most striking feature of the Taiwan Yellow Tit is its yellow to yellowish-green face and underparts, topped with a distinct black crest on its head. Below the crest and in the center of the nape are white feathers. Its wings and tail feathers are black, with blue-gray edges on the wings, giving it a very vibrant appearance. It mainly feeds on insects and typically forages in the upper layers of forests, searching for food hidden among branches and leaves. During the breeding season, it perches on higher branches to sing, with a cheerful and varied call. Taiwan Yellow Tits usually move alone or in pairs. Outside the breeding season, they often form mixed flocks with other tits and small birds, foraging together in the forest. It is a rare resident bird in Taiwan and a species in need of conservation. When you spot a flash of yellow in the mountains, take a closer look at the treetops. That distinctive black 'little crown' might just be the endemic Taiwan Yellow Tit. Image source: https://share.google/IufGrcqNkoNNMELK9

The Taiwan Barwing (scientific name Yuhina brunneiceps) is an endemic bird species of Taiwan. Currently classified under the Zosteropidae family, it primarily inhabbs forest environments in mid-to-high altitude mountainous areas. Its most striking feature is a crest of feathers on the top of its head that points upwards, looking like it's wearing a 'little crown,' which is also the origin of its name. Its body is mainly brown and grayish-white, with distinct dark markings on its face. It's about 12 cm long, making it quite small. Taiwan Barwings usually move in flocks, often seen darting through forests in groups of 3-7, foraging for food, and sometimes mixing with other small bird species. They frequently make chirping sounds to stay in contact while active. Their diet mainly consists of insects and fruits, and some individuals move to lower altitudes in winter. What's even more special is that Taiwan Barwings exhibit cooperative breeding behavior, where multiple pairs can form a group and collectively care for the young. Next time you see a flock of small birds quickly moving through the mountains, pay attention to their heads – you might just spot these cute birds wearing their 'little crowns'! Image source: https://share.google/vsUJBKlu7NWcMvbKY

The Black-naped Monarch (Hypothymis azurea, Taiwanese subspecies H. a. oberholseri) is a small bird of the monarch flycatcher family. It is mainly distributed in forests, hills, secondary forests, and wooded environments below an altitude of about 1,500 meters in Taiwan. It can also be found in green spaces such as parks and campuses, and is a common resident bird in Taiwan. The most striking feature of the male is its vibrant cobalt blue plumage. It has a distinct black patch on the back of its head and a narrow black band across its chest, making it highly recognizable and the origin of its name, 'Black-naped Monarch'. The female's plumage is much more subdued, with a grayish-blue head and chest, and brownish back, wings, and tail feathers, resulting in a significant difference in appearance between males and females. They primarily feed on small insects, often perching on branches to observe their surroundings. Once they spot flying insects, they quickly dart out to catch them and then return to their original or a nearby perch. This 'perch-fly-return' hunting method is a very typical foraging behavior of the Black-naped Monarch. The Black-naped Monarch is about 15-16 cm long. Although small in size, its movements are quite agile. Its call is also distinctive, usually a loud and continuous whistling sound of 'whee, whee, whee', which is easily noticeable in the forest. During the breeding season, they build cup-shaped nests at the fork of branches, and both males and females participate in incubation and raising the chicks. Image source: https://share.google/XUsws8kUCIqtyxVhC