Taiwan Hwamei
Garrulax taewanus
台湾画眉
Introduction
A passerine bird in the family Leiothrichidae, endemic to the island of Taiwan. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the Chinese hwamei (Garrulax canorus) but was split as a separate species approximately 1.5 million years ago. The species inhabits secondary woodland in foothills and lower mountains up to 1,200 meters elevation. It is characterized by a long, melodious, varied whistling song. The global population is estimated at 1,000–10,000 individuals and is classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife International.
Description
A small songbird measuring approximately 24 centimeters in length. The plumage is mainly grey-brown, with heavy streaking on the crown, nape, and back, and finer streaks across most of the underparts. It lacks the distinctive white eye-markings found in the Chinese hwamei and appears less rufous in coloration overall.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Chinese hwamei by the absence of white eye-markings, a less rufous overall coloration, and heavier streaking on the upperparts and underparts. These differences are most apparent when comparing the two species directly.
Distribution & Habitat
Endemic to the island of Taiwan. Inhabits secondary woodland in foothill and lower mountain regions up to 1,200 meters above sea level. No information provided on migration patterns.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages alone, in pairs, or in small groups within the understorey, searching for insects and seeds. The song is described as long, melodious, varied, and whistling in quality.
Conservation
Classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife International with an estimated population of 1,000–10,000 individuals in decline. Habitat loss affects numbers, but the primary threat is hybridization with introduced populations of Chinese hwamei. Studies have detected approximately 20% introgression, compromising the species' genetic distinctiveness.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Leiothrichidae
- Genus
- Garrulax
- eBird Code
- taihwa1
Distribution
Taiwan
Vocalizations
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.