Taiwan Cupwing
Pnoepyga formosana
台湾鹪鹛
Introduction
A small passerine bird in the family Pnoepygidae, endemic to the island of Taiwan. This species was long considered a subspecies of the scaly-breasted cupwing (Pnoepyga albiventer) before being recognized as a distinct species. It inhabits the island's forested mountain regions.
Description
A tiny bird measuring 8 to 9 cm in length. It appears practically tailless. The upperparts are olive-brown in coloration. The underparts display a distinctive fish-scale pattern on the chest, created by pale-colored scales against an almost black background. Compared to the scaly-breasted cupwing, this species has shorter wings and legs, and overall more reddish-brown plumage tones.
Identification
Very similar in appearance to the scaly-breasted cupwing. The key distinguishing features include shorter wings and legs, and a more reddish-brown overall coloration. The scaly pattern on the underparts differs subtly, with pale scales set against a darker, almost black surface rather than the scaly-breasted appearance of its relative.
Distribution & Habitat
Endemic to the island of Taiwan, where it occupies mountain forest habitats. No information is available regarding seasonal movements or migration patterns.
Behavior & Ecology
No behavioral information provided in the source article.
Conservation
No conservation information provided in the source article.
Culture
No cultural information provided in the source article.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Pnoepygidae
- Genus
- Pnoepyga
- eBird Code
- taiwrb1
Distribution
highlands of 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.