The Taiwan scimitar babbler is a bird in the family Timaliidae, the Old World babblers. It is endemic to Taiwan. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1859. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the streak-breasted scimitar babbler. Its population is declining, but not rapidly enough for it to be considered vulnerable.
Region
Taiwan
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in lowland to montane foothill forests across Taiwan, often in broadleaf evergreen and secondary growth. It is common in dense understory, bamboo thickets, forest edges, and overgrown plantations. The species typically keeps close to the ground or mid-understory, moving through tangles and along slopes. It can tolerate some habitat modification where sufficient dense cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This skulking babbler is endemic to Taiwan and favors dense undergrowth where it stays hidden but calls loudly. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the streak-breasted scimitar babbler before being elevated to full species. Its long, decurved bill is specialized for probing leaf litter and bamboo tangles for invertebrates. Although its population is declining, it is still assessed as not at immediate risk.
Temperament
skulking but social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding dashes
Social Behavior
Often found in pairs or small family groups that move through dense cover, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Likely monogamous, it nests low in thick vegetation or bamboo, constructing domed or well-concealed nests. Parents remain close to cover and communicate frequently with contact calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, ringing whistles delivered in repeated phrases, often given antiphonally by a pair. Calls include sharp chacks and rising, fluty notes that carry through the forest. The song can sound like a repetitive, piping series accelerating and then tapering off.
