The Taiwan liocichla, also known as Steere's liocichla, is a small passerine bird in the laughingthrush family Leiothrichidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1877.
Region
Taiwan
Typical Environment
This species inhabits humid evergreen and broadleaf montane forests with dense understory. It favors forest edges, secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and shrubby ravines where it can skulk and forage close to the ground. It also uses overgrown trailsides and regenerating clearings, provided there is ample cover. Presence is strongest in mid-elevation belts with thick undergrowth.
Altitude Range
600–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Taiwan liocichla is a shy, ground-hugging babbler that often reveals itself by its clear, ringing whistles rather than by sight. Its bright red wing panel flashes in short flights through dense cover. Pairs or small family groups keep close contact with soft calls and may duet, especially in the breeding season.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights through understory
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, staying in close contact with soft calls. During breeding, pairs defend small territories and build cup-shaped nests low in dense shrubs or bamboo. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges and trails.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, fluty whistles delivered from concealed perches, often in evenly spaced phrases. Pairs may duet, with one bird answering the other in alternating, melodious notes.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with grey-olive underparts and a contrasting rufous facial area. Wings show a striking red panel with yellow edging and darker flight feathers. Tail is dark with subtle reddish fringes. Feathers appear soft and sleek, aiding a smooth, compact silhouette in dense cover.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of insects and other small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. Also takes berries and small fruits, especially when insect prey is scarce. Forages by gleaning leaves and twigs and by probing in moss and leaf litter. Occasionally hawks short distances to snatch flushed insects.
Preferred Environment
Prefers dense shrub layers, bamboo patches, and tangles near forest edges and along shaded trails. Will use secondary growth and regenerating areas with thick cover, staying within a few meters of the ground.
