Taiwan Thrush
Turdus niveiceps
白头鸫
Introduction
A bird in the thrush family (Turdidae) belonging to the genus Turdus. Endemic to the island of Taiwan. Inhabits mountain forests at elevations of 1800-2500 meters in central Taiwan. Formerly classified as a subspecies of the island thrush complex, but genetic studies revealed it is not closely related to that group. Notable for displaying distinct sexual dimorphism in plumage, a characteristic not found in other island thrush subspecies. Reclassified as a distinct species by the IOC in 2021.
Description
A medium-sized thrush measuring approximately 22 cm in length, with yellow bill, legs, and feet. Males have black upperparts with a white head and throat; the underparts are dark orange with a blackish upper breast. Females display similar patterning but are overall duller, with a brown back, head patterned in brown and white with a prominent white supercilium, buff-colored throat, brown streaking on the upper breast, and duller orange underparts. Both sexes are similar in size.
Identification
Males are distinctive with their black body contrasting sharply with white head and throat. Females can be identified by their brown back, white supercilium, streaked upper breast, and overall dull orange underparts. The combination of yellow bill and the specific elevation range in central Taiwan helps distinguish this species from other thrushes in the region.
Distribution & Habitat
Endemic to Taiwan, where it is a rare resident species confined to central mountain forests. Found at altitudes of 1800-2500 meters. No migratory behavior documented.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages actively through trees, low vegetation, and on the ground in leaf litter. Diet consists of a variety of invertebrates as well as seeds, berries, and fruit. No specific information provided on breeding behavior or vocalizations.
Conservation
No specific conservation assessment or population data provided in the available source.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Turdus
- eBird Code
- islthr24
Distribution
mountains of Taiwan
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.