Taiwan

Early Portuguese sailors dubbed Taiwan “Isla Formosa”—the beautiful island—and although the title was abandoned some time ago in favor of the Chinese name, Taiwan is still a strikingly attractive island with some spectacular mountain scenery. Sitting astride the Tropic of Cancer, less than 250 miles from north to south and no more than 100 miles wide, Taiwan boasts impressive geographic and ecological diversity. A dramatic mountain range forms the island’s backbone and is flanked either side by a broad, flat coastal plain that is warm and humid.

Amazingly, few Western birders have experienced Taiwan’s rich bird life. We’ve been missing out, as many of the species are generally far easier to see here than in most other Asian countries. Moreover, Taiwan is an affluent nation with a good tourist infrastructure and road network, and traveling around is genuinely easy. Most important, Taiwan boasts an impressive array of 32 endemic species that include Taiwan Yuhina, Collared Bush Robin, White-eared Sibia, Steere’s Liocichla, and the more recently split Taiwan Cupwing, Taiwan Shortwing and Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler.

Endemic birds are not all that Taiwan has to offer, however. The island is the winter home of the bulk of the tiny world population of Black-faced Spoonbill, and we expect to see a few lingering birds. The tour’s timing, at the height of the northbound spring migration, means that we’re also sure to find a decent number of East Asian migrants. We also stand a very good chance of seeing that most elusive of Asian birds, Fairy Pitta.