Dates: April 20 - May 4, 2026

Leader: Scott Baker

E-bird

Total Species: 211 birds

Click Here to view list.

Overall Summary

Taiwan tends to fly under the radar but really does deserve some attention – it is a land best-known for its dramatic mountainous interior, much of which is densely forested and relatively intact, owing in part to the extreme geography, but also to a culture that emphasizes a respect for nature.

Aside from its 32 endemic birds, including the legendary big- four ‘Phasianids’ (Pheasants & allies), Taiwan offers breathtaking scenic experiences, modern amenities, a welcoming atmosphere and (of course) the famous cuisine. It also boasts 1 of the lowest crime rates on the planet making is a very safe place to travel. Taiwan ticks a lot of boxes.

The VENT 2026 Taiwan tour edition served as a perfect introduction, but in the process, our 12-day itinerary almost circumnavigated the country. We covered a lot of ground.

Starting our journey in Taipei – the capital, a vibrant bustling metropolis, before moving to the mountains. Here we enjoyed the serenity of the cooler montane zone, with 2 nights on Mt Dasyueshan – the ‘Great Snow Mountain’, before crossing the central range via the spectacular Taroko Gorge. (Note : access only partially restored since the 2024 earthquake).

Next, we worked our way down along the east coast. An overnight visit to Lanyu Island , with its subtropical climate, provided a very different experience - both culturally and ecologically. And then, returning to the ‘mainland’ for an exploration of the western plains and Mt Yushan - Taiwan’s highest peak.

A gentle but action-packed and well-paced birding intensive covering a diverse range of habitats from alpine meadows to coastal marshland and monsoon rainforest.

Eventually, we connected with most of the key targets. A total list of over 200 species included (importantly) 31 of the 32 endemics - and some incredible sightings. Top of that list is perhaps the iconic Mikado Pheasant (Taiwan’s national bird) and equally stunning but more widespread Swinhoe’s Pheasant – with several observations. Taiwan Partridge required some additional effort (on our part) but we were, in the end, rewarded with spectacular views.

A couple of the less predictable, ‘bonus birds’ like The Himalayan Owl (a scarce montane specialist), Northern Boobook, Chinese Egret, Oriental Stork (nesting), Mandarin Duck and Yellow-breasted Bunting also deserve a mention.

I think, however, best of all was our encounter with the Fairy Pitta (in fact a pair) – this bird a rare and poorly known long-distance migrant that had just returned from wintering grounds in SE Asia, to breed. The timing was perfect and they put on an unforgettable performance. A very satisfying experience.

A special shout-out to Chien-Wei ‘Bao’ Tseng (our local guide)whose expert local knowledge, sharp eyes, tireless driving and excellent company helped make this such a memorable journey.

Day-by-Day Summary

April 22 - Driving Taipei to Dongshi. AM : birding Pingling district (outskirts of Taipei). Timing visit to coastal Xiangshan wetland/ Hsinchu Coast with high tide. PM : incl visit to Taichung-Dongshi Forest Park.

April 23 - Early departure from Dongshi working the Dasyueshan Forest rd to summit, stopping : 15K / 22K /23.5K /23.5 K /35 K to summit (50 K).

April 24 - Full day at Dasyueshan National Forest. AM : morning at the summit. PM : exploring foothills (outskirts of Dongshi), returning to 50 K mark.

April 25 - Driving Dasyueshan to Cingjing Farm. AM : Again birding the Dasyeushan Forest rd , stopping : 41.5 K /23.5 K /19.0 K, etc. PM : visiting Taroko Nat Park incl Wuling & Mt Hehuan.

April 26 - Driving Cingjing Farm to Taitung. AM early morning at Cingjing Farm and later Hehuauchun Pass / Wuling area. PM : Navigating the Central Cross Island Hwy / Taroko Gorge arriving at Taitung.

April 27 - AM : Ferry crossing from Fugang Harbour (Taitung) to Lanyu Island. PM : Lanyu Island various sites) incl : Zhong’ai Bridge, Jikarahem Cave and Yongxing Farm.

April 28 - AM : continuing survey of Lanyu Island. PM : Ferry crossing return to Taitung. Stopping also at the Taitung Taiping River mouth.

April 29 - Driving Taitung to Tainung. AM :birding Pingtung-Linhousilin Forest Park. PM Several sites in vicinity of Tainan City incl : Liujia (Fairy Pitta), Guantian Farmland, TSC Shalun Farm and Qiding Wetland.

April 30 - Driving Tainung to the Alishan district. AM : Full morning on wetlands north of Tainung/ Chiayi City (Budaii -IBA). PM : late afternoon in the Chiayi-Alishan Dinghu area.

May 1 - Day in and around Alishan. AM Full morning in the Tataka Recreation Area. PM visit to Sacred Tree & returning to Tataka (evening).

May 2 - Driving Guangua Village to Douliu City. AM : birding Firefly Lodge and, later, Pingziding Zhuoshi River (Yunlin area). PM Longkuami Forest Trail (Huben IBA) – Pitta Café.

May 3 - Driving Douliu City to Taipei. AM : visit to Sun-link-sea Resort/ Songlong Rock & waterfall. PM : stopping at Dapingding and Xucuogang IBA (wetland area near airport).

May 4 - Birding the Yilan district (east of Taipei). AM : Nan’ao River Mouth and North Shore Observation Spot. PM : visit to the Taipei-Tianliaoyang Wetland.

Wildlife Seen: 

MAMMALS:

Cercopithecids (Old World Monkeys)

Formosan Rock Macaque

Macaca cyclopis

Sciurids (Squirrels)

Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel

Petaurista alborufus lena Pallas’s (Taiwan)

Squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus

Perny’s Long-nosed Squirrel

Dremomys pernyi

Maritime Striped Squirrel

Tamiops maritimus

Herpestids (Mongooses)

Crab-eating Mongoose Urva urva

Mustelids (weasels, martens, otters, etc)

Formosan Ferret-Badger Melogale subaurantiaca

Siberian Weasel

Mustela sibirica

Cervids (Deer)

Reeve’s Muntjac

Muntiacus reevesi

Bovids (cattle, antelopes, goats, etc)

Taiwan (Formosan)

Serow Capricornis swinhoei

Gallery