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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Compact, soft-plumaged bird with a gray hood and face, warm olive-brown upperparts, and buffy underparts with rufous-tinged flanks. Wings and tail are brown with subtle rufous edging; throat pale to off-white. Feathers appear smooth and neat, giving a clean, hooded look.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and twigs. It also takes berries, tender shoots, and occasional seeds, especially outside the peak insect season. Foraging is active and continuous, with quick hops and short flights between perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and understory of montane forests, especially in dense bamboo and shrubby edges. Often feeds along forest margins and along trails or clearings where insects concentrate.
