Taiwan - Endemics & Winter Birds

Tour Code: TWN01

A 10-day tour focusing on Taiwan's endemic birdlife and stunning scenery.

10 days from
£3,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£3,295
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Taiwan’s well-protected forests are home to 28 endemic bird species, over 55 endemic subspecies and an additional array of other east Asian specialities. This tour will focus on seeing as many of Taiwan’s special species as possible. Sought-after lowland species such as Mikado’s and Swinhoe’s Pheasants will be among our first target species before we head to mid and higher elevations, where we will search for a variety of endemics and other specialities including raptors, Savannah Nightjar, Himalayan Wood Owl and a range of scops-owl species. Transferring to Taiwan’s west coast in search of terns, spoonbills, sandplovers, sandpipers, stints and other wetland birds, we will also check out scrubby embankments for species such as Golden-headed Cisticola. A 2-night stay in a low mountain forest managed by the indigenous Atayal tribe will conclude this fast-paced birdwatching holiday. Among many other interesting species, this forest is home to the stunning Formosan Magpie and Silver-backed Needletail, making it a wonderful finale to the trip.

  • Enjoy great views of a vast variety of endemic species
  • Look for lowland species such as Swinhoe’s Pheasant in Dasyueshan Forest
  • Taiwan Rosefinch & the endemic Taiwan Fulvetta among higher elevation species
  • Japanese Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle & Mountain Hawk-eagle among raptors
  • Visit wintering ground for 2,500 Black-faced Spoonbills
  • Taiwan has good infrastructure, an interesting culture & delicious food!

Grading

Traditional fast-paced birdwatching tour with a moderate amount of walking on good surfaces.

Known to early Portuguese sailors as ‘Isla Formosa’ or ‘the beautiful island’, Taiwan is home to 28 endemic bird species (plus over 55 endemic subspecies), as well as a wide assortment of other east Asian specialities that reside in its well protected forests. Despite this, few Westerners have experienced Taiwan’s birdlife, and this tour will focus on seeing as many special species as possible, whilst on an island blessed with a good infrastructure, intriguing culture and delectable food!

On arrival in Taipei, we have the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with some of the common lowland species before moving to the mountains for a 3-night stay in the Dasyueshan Forest to search for a wide variety of species, including such sought-after endemics as Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasants. At higher elevations we will also look for Taiwan Rosefinch and the endemic Taiwan Fulvetta, whilst at lower elevations we’ll search for such further endemics as Taiwan Hill Partridge, Taiwan Bush-warbler and Taiwan Wrenbabbler. An impressive selection of mid-elevation species is also possible here. Amongst these are the endemic Taiwan Barwing and raptors such as Japanese Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle and Mountain Hawk-eagle. In the evenings we will hope to get good views of a range of Scops-owl species, Savannah Nightjar and Himalayan Wood Owl.

Our next area of focus is the wetland region of Taiwan’s west coast. This is the main wintering ground for almost 2,500 Black-faced Spoonbills and we will enjoy this impressive gathering, as well as the accompanying terns, sandplovers, sandpipers (including Broad-billed Sandpiper) and stints. There is even a chance of Saunders’ Gull, with many other familiar waders and ducks likely. Scrubby embankments can hold Golden-headed Cisticola, Vinous-throated Parrotbill and up to four species of wintering starlings.

We conclude our tour with a visit to the North Coast and a couple of migrant hotspots. One location often holds a variety of thrushes including Dusky and Naumanns, as well as buntings, such as Yellow-throated, Yellow-browed and Red-bellied Blue Rock-Thrush. A coastal promontory could give uncommon Eastern Palearctic visitors such as the delightful Japanese Robin, Bluethroat, Chinese and Japanese Grosbeaks and Grey-tailed Tattler.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London
Day 2
Arrive Taipei and explore lowland farmland
Day 3
Dasyueshan Forest - Low and Mid-elevation
Day 4
Dasyueshan Forest - mid to high-elevation
Day 5
Guguan, Baxianshan Forest and River Banks
Day 6
Coastal Lagoons, Budai & Aogu Wetlands
Day 7
Sandimen Lowland Forest, mid-elevation Alishan
Day 8
High-elevation forest Alishan / Yushan National Park
Day 9
North Coast for migrant hotspots. Evening flight
Day 10
Arrive London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Simple but comfortable tourist hotels.

  • Food:

    All meals included. Mostly excellent Chinese cuisine but supplemented by lots of familiar food, snacks and refreshments.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 10th Jan – Sun 19th Jan FULL £3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Richard Foster
TL Richard Foster

Tour Leader: Richard Foster

Originally from the lake district of Fermanagh, N. Ireland, Richard has lived in Taiwan for over 25 years. After a career as a teacher and social campaigner, he discovered his real passion - showing visitors the nature of his adopted home. Whether in the field or out of it, he is always keen to share his knowledge and outlook on the local avifauna and human culture. Few foreign birders know Taiwanese birds as intimately as Richard, who is fast honing an enviable reputation as one of the country's best bird guides. Fluent in Chinese, he knows Taiwan like no other having explored almost every road, track, and gully. All this delivered with a smile and a keen understanding of foreign visitors’ needs.

Fri 28th Feb – Sun 9th Mar 1 £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Richard Foster
TL Richard Foster

Tour Leader: Richard Foster

Originally from the lake district of Fermanagh, N. Ireland, Richard has lived in Taiwan for over 25 years. After a career as a teacher and social campaigner, he discovered his real passion - showing visitors the nature of his adopted home. Whether in the field or out of it, he is always keen to share his knowledge and outlook on the local avifauna and human culture. Few foreign birders know Taiwanese birds as intimately as Richard, who is fast honing an enviable reputation as one of the country's best bird guides. Fluent in Chinese, he knows Taiwan like no other having explored almost every road, track, and gully. All this delivered with a smile and a keen understanding of foreign visitors’ needs.

Fri 31st Oct – Sun 9th Nov SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Richard Foster
TL Richard Foster

Tour Leader: Richard Foster

Originally from the lake district of Fermanagh, N. Ireland, Richard has lived in Taiwan for over 25 years. After a career as a teacher and social campaigner, he discovered his real passion - showing visitors the nature of his adopted home. Whether in the field or out of it, he is always keen to share his knowledge and outlook on the local avifauna and human culture. Few foreign birders know Taiwanese birds as intimately as Richard, who is fast honing an enviable reputation as one of the country's best bird guides. Fluent in Chinese, he knows Taiwan like no other having explored almost every road, track, and gully. All this delivered with a smile and a keen understanding of foreign visitors’ needs.

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Bargain Birdwatching Holidays


Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.


We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.


What can I expect?


    

  • An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
    • 

  • Outstanding value for money
    • 

  • Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
    • 

  • Enviable bird lists
    • 

  • Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities
    • 



Who are these tours best suited to?


    

  • Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
    • 

  • People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour
    • 



Where can I go?


Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.


In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:



 


 




 


Our specialist recommends...







"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




 


All Bargain birdwatching Tours

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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!