Taiwan not only harbours some of Asia’s most wonderful avifauna, but a host of other highlights that make it the perfect destination for a comfortable and relaxing birding tour. With 29 currently recognised endemics and many endemic subspecies, a number of which will almost certainly be split in the next few years and elevated to full endemic species status, not to mention the incredible East-Asian Flyway, Taiwan has much to offer both the serious and casual birder alike. Located 100 km east of China, just south of Japan and Korea, and slightly north of the Philippines, this small island is less than 400 km long and 150 km wide with rugged central mountains interspersed with deep valleys, and boasts a high biodiversity in a very manageable package.

Our Taiwan - Spring Birding tour is a comprehensive tour of Taiwan that focuses on the endemics and other East Asian specialities in the nation’s largely pristine and well protected forests. Highlights include legendary species such as the magnificent Swinhoe’s and Mikado Pheasants, Taiwan Partridge, the spectacular Taiwan Blue Magpie, Chestnut-bellied and Yellow Tits, Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler, Flamecrest, Collared Bush Robin, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, Malayan Night Heron, Chinese Egret, Black-faced Spoonbill, the exquisite Fairy Pitta, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher and Ryukyu (Lanyu) Scops Owl to mention just a few! Most of our time will be spent in the mountains, but we will allow some time in the lowlands and along the coast in order to search for wetland and coastal species: Lanyu (Orchid) Island in particular harbours several very interesting birds, including various endemic sub-species and other specialities that are otherwise very difficult to see anywhere else.

When circumstances allow, we will also make time for exploring and enjoying the numerous other aspects of Taiwan’s natural biodiversity, the fascinating human culture and, of course, for chasing any reported notable vagrants! In addition, the Taiwanese are a super-friendly and welcoming people who have blended the best parts of unspoiled, traditional Chinese culture with the influence of colonial Japan and the native Austronesian culture. Taiwan is free and democratic, has good infrastructure and is extremely safe for tourists, all of which should ensure a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding birding adventure!