The Taiwan barwing or Formosan barwing is a species of bird in the family Leiothrichidae. It is found in Taiwan. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Taiwan Central Mountain Range
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane broadleaf and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth. It favors dense understory and shrub layers, often near clearings and along trails or streamside thickets. During cooler months it may descend slightly to lower elevations, especially into mature foothill forest. The species is a regular participant in mixed-species flocks moving through midstory and understory.
Altitude Range
1000–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Formosan barwing, this species is confined to Taiwan’s central mountains. It often joins mixed-species foraging flocks with other babblers and tits, moving methodically through dense understory. Its scientific name refers to Yushan (formerly Mount Morrison), Taiwan’s highest peak.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and commonly joins mixed-species flocks. Breeding pairs build a cup-shaped nest low in dense vegetation. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles interspersed with soft chatters. Calls include sharp ticks and scolding notes used to maintain contact within flocks.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with bold black-and-buff barring on the wings and tail; greyish head with a pale supercilium and darker eye-line; underparts buffy with fine streaking or mottling.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. It also consumes berries and small fruits, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging is mostly by gleaning from leaves, twigs, and bark, with occasional probing into moss and epiphytes. It frequently benefits from mixed-species flocks that stir up prey.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and midstory of montane forests, along forest edges, and in bamboo or rhododendron thickets. Often works methodically through vine tangles and shrubs. Will visit secondary growth and disturbed edges if cover is dense.
