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Overview
Taiwan fulvetta

Taiwan fulvetta

Wikipedia

The Taiwan fulvetta is a species of bird in the family Sylviidae. Like the other typical fulvettas, it was long included in the Timaliidae genus Alcippe. In addition, it was long included in F. cinereiceps as a subspecies.

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Distribution

Region

East Asia

Typical Environment

Occurs across Taiwan’s montane evergreen and mixed conifer-broadleaf forests, especially where dense shrubs and bamboo understory are present. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, and thickets, moving through mid-story to lower canopy while foraging. The species readily joins mixed flocks with yuhinas, tits, and other small passerines. It is generally common within suitable habitat and can tolerate light disturbance if understory cover remains.

Altitude Range

800–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size12–14 cm
Wing Span16–19 cm
Male Weight0.011 kg
Female Weight0.01 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Endemic to Taiwan, this small fulvetta was long placed in the Timaliidae and later Sylviidae, but modern treatments place Fulvetta with the parrotbills. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Grey-hooded Fulvetta (Fulvetta cinereiceps). It often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests and is an energetic foliage-gleaner.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually travels in small groups and regularly joins mixed-species foraging flocks. During breeding, it forms territorial pairs and builds a cup-shaped nest low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and sweet, tinkling phrases delivered from cover. Calls are soft chips and tseep notes used to maintain contact within flocks.

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