Taiwan Tour For 32 Endemic Birds - A Paradise for Birders

10 Days | #1569-IN |

Booking Open

Xuecuohang |

Shihmen Reservoir |

Dasyueshan |

Puli |

Cingjing Farm |

Hehushan (Taroko National Park) |

Chiayi |

Southwest Coast |

Alishan |

Tataka (Yushan National Park) |

Hengchun (Kending National Park) |

Tainan (Taijiang National Park) |

Description

Discover Taiwan’s extraordinary birdlife on this carefully curated 1011-day birding adventure across its diverse landscapes—from subtropical lowlands to misty mountain forests and coastal wetlands. The tour begins in Taipei and covers major birding hotspots such as three alpine birding sites Dasyueshan, Yushan NP and Hehuanshan. Also, we will visit the costal wetland to look for the East Asian shorebird and one remote island Lanyu. We will have a very wide coverage of the landscape in this subtropical island.

Expect to see a wide range of Taiwan’s 32+ endemic bird species, including the striking Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Taiwan Barwing, Taiwan Yuhina, and the vibrant Taiwan Blue Magpie. The route is also excellent for spotting migratory shorebirds such as Black-faced Spoonbills, raptors, laughingthrushes, bulbuls, and forest-dwelling species.

Beyond birds, the journey offers glimpses of Taiwan’s scenic beauty—from forested mountain slopes to tea-growing hillsides, ancient temples, and peaceful coastal towns. The tour ends with a return to Taipei, offering optional time for cultural sightseeing or relaxation. Perfect for serious birders and nature enthusiasts alike, this tour blends rewarding birdwatching with the warm hospitality and rich heritage of Taiwan.

Expected Key Species
Endemic Species

Common: Swinhoe's Pheasant, Taiwan Barbet, Taiwan Yuhina, Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler, Morrison's Fulvetta, White-whiskered Laughingthrush, White-eared Sibia, Steere's Liocichla, Collared Bush-Robin, Flamecrest, Taiwan Vivid Niltava, Taiwan Blue-Magpie, Taiwan Whistling-Thrush, TW Bush Warbler (Apr-Aug), Styan’s Bulbul (Kenting)

Uncommon: Taiwan Partridge, Mikado Pheasant, Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge, Taiwan Yellow Tit, Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush, Rusty Laughingthrush, Black-necklaced Scimitar-Babbler, Taiwan Cupwing, Taiwan Hwamei, Taiwan Shortwing, Taiwan Bullfinch, Taiwan Barwing, Taiwan Fulvetta, Chestnut-bellied Tit, Taiwan Rosefinch, Taiwan (White-browed) Bush-Robin

Rare: Taiwan Thrush

Key Endemic Subspecies
Oriental Turtle-Dove, Collared Owlet, White-backed Woodpecker, Black Drongo, Bronzed Drongo, Eurasian Jay, Gray Treepie, Eurasian Nutcracker, Coal Tit, Green-backed Tit, Striped Prinia, Collared Finchbill, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Golden Parrotbill, Rufous-capped Babbler, Dusky Fulvetta, Eurasian Nuthatch, Little Forktail, White-tailed Robin, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Plumbeous Redstart, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Brown Bullfinch

Key Non-endemic Birds & Wintering Birds
Malayan Night Heron, Brown Dipper, Rufous-faced Warbler, Gray-chinned Minivet, Black Eagle (rare), Mountain Hawk Eagle (rare), Daurian Redstart (winter), Pale Thrush (winter), Brown-headed Thrush (winter), Eyebrowed Thrush (winter), White’s Thrush (winter), Scaly Thrush (rare breeding)

Key East Asian Waterbirds
Black-faced Spoonbill, Long-toed Stint, Asian Dowitcher (rare), Saunders's Gull (rare, Dec-Feb), Nordmann’s Greenshank (rare, Nov-Mar), Chinese Egret (spring & autumn transit)

Key Birds in Lanyu (Apr-Sep)
Elegant Scops Owl, Black Paradise-Flycatcher, Northern Boobook, Whistling Green-pigeon, Philippine Cuckoo-dove, Lowland White-eye

Mammals

Daytime: Formosan Rock Macaque (endemic), Palla’s / Red-bellied Tree Squirrel (endemic subspecies thaiwanensis), Maritime Striped Squirrel (endemic subspecies formosanus), Reeve’s Muntjac (endemic subspecies micrurus and easier at night), Perny's Long-nosed Squirrel (rare, endemic subspecies owstoni), Yellow-throated Marten (rare, endemic subspecies chrysospila), Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat (rare, endemic subspecies terasensis)

At night (will be easier): Taiwan Serow (endemic), Formosan Red-and-white Giant / White-faced Flying Squirrel (endemic), Taiwan Giant Flying Squirrel (endemic)

Detail Itinerary

Day 00: Arrivals at TPE airport on your own (checking in the airport hotel)

Meals: On own
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport (airport hotel)

You may arrive at any time today. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel and check in at your convenience. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby area or enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 01: TPE airport - Xuecuogang - Shihmen Reservoir

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: ChuanFu Hotel, Taichung City (downtown)

In the morning after the hotel breakfast finished, we’ll visit the Xuecuogang Wetland nearby, a productive coastal habitat known for its shorebirds and waterbirds.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll explore the scenic Shihmen Reservoir, home to a variety of forest birds, including the striking Taiwan Blue Magpie (E, endemic) and get familiar with the common low land birds such as Taiwan Barbet (E), Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler (E), Malayan Night Heron, Gray Treepie (ES, endemic subspecies), Light-vented Bulbul (ES), Swinhoe’s White-eye , Spotted Dove (ES), Oriental Turtle-dove (ES)..etc.

After our birding sessions, we’ll continue south and check in at our hotel in Taichung City. Overnight stay.

Day 02: Dasyueshan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Anmashan Lodge (2200m)

Dasyueshan, a forested highland area ranging from 400 to 2,500 meters above sea level in a 50km long forest road, offers a rich diversity of habitats and stunning mountain scenery. Today, you’ll spend the full day exploring its trails and roads, with excellent opportunities for birding amidst mixed forests and alpine vegetation. The area is known for its quiet beauty and high avian diversity.

All the endemic except for the Styan’s Bulbul (E) has recorded here. We will concentrate on some of the exclusive endemic highlights here such as Mikado Pheasant (E), Swinhoe’s Pheasant (E), Taiwan Partridge (E), Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush (E), Rusty Laughingthrush (E), Taiwan Yellow Tit (E). White-whiskered Laughing Thrush (E), Taiwan Liocichla (E), Taiwan Yuhina (E), White-0eared Sibia (E), White-eared Sibia (E), Flamecrest (E), Morrieson’s Fulvetta (E), Taiwan Whistling-Thrush (E) can be found here as well. For the special endemic subspcie, the Collared Finchbill (ES), Black Bulbul (ES), Gray-chinned Minivet (ES), Black-naped Monarch (E) Coal Tit (E) and the Green-backed Tit etc can be expected here.

Some mammals including the Formosan Rock Macaque (E), Reeve’s Muntjac (ES), Palla’s Tree Squirrel (ES) and the Martine Striped Tree Squirrel (ES) can be found along these forest trails as well.

Overnight stay at a mountain lodge within the reserve and we might be able to see some larger mammals such as the White-faced Flying Squirrel (E), Taiwan Serow (E) with a short night walk around the lodge.

Day 03: Dasyueshan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Anmashan Lodge (2200m)

We will stay in the same place one more full day to explore birds and mammals.

Overnight stay at a mountain lodge

Day 04: Dasyueshan - Puli - Cingjing Farm

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Cingjing Farm (1700m)

In the morning, we might visit Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area if we miss the Chestnut-bellied Tit (E) in Dasyueshan. Then we’ll explore a temple area near Puli (around 500m elevation), offering both cultural charm and rewarding birding opportunities. Species such as the beautiful Maroon Oriole (ES) and the shy Taiwan Hawmei (E) & Black-necklaced Scimitar-babbler (E) can be seen here.

Later, we continued to Cingjing Farm (1700m), a highland area known for its scenic mountain views and rich avian diversity. While exploring the forests and tea bush areas around the farm, keep an eye out forTaiwan Liocichla (E), shy Taiwan Hawmei (E) & Black-necklaced Scimitar-babbler (E). Also, this is a good chance for the uncommon Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge (E) and Brown Bullfinish (ES).

Overnight stay at a hillside lodge in Cingjing, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Day 05: Hehushan-Chiayi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tsun Huang Hotel, Chiayi City (downtown)

Hehuanshan, standing at over 3,000 meters, is the highest drivable location in Taiwan and offers breathtaking alpine scenery. This high-altitude area is an excellent birding site, especially for spotting high-mountain specialties. Key species include the Taiwan Rosefinch (E), Flamecrest (E), Taiwan Bullfinch (E), Flamecrest (E) and Alpine Accentor (ES, the southmost population of it’s range). The open grassy slopes, coniferous forests, and crisp mountain air make birding here a truly memorable experience.

After bird watching, drive to Chiayi for an overnight stay.

Day 06: Southwest Coast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Tsun Huang Hotel, Chiayi city (downtown)

Today, you will visit the southwest coast of Taiwan. It is dotted with expansive wetlands, traditional fish ponds, and salt fields, creating an ideal habitat for a wide variety of waterbirds and shorebirds. Our main target here will be the Black-faced Spoonbill, a globally threatened species that winters in Taiwan and we have chance to find the endangered Nordmann’s Greenshank and Saunders’ Gull. The East Asian shorebirds such as Great Knot, Long-toed Stint are possible here as well. This region is also excellent for observing numerous shorebirds in striking breeding plumage, offering fantastic photographic opportunities with the van as the moving hide.

Overnight stay.

Day 07: Alishan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Alishan-Star Resort (900m)

If we miss some of the shorebirds, we could spend some time along the coastal area, depending on what we need. If we still need the Taiwan Partridge (E), then we have to arrive at the resort in early afternoon to use the bird hide for TaPa for the rest of the day.

Alishan Forest Recreation Area (c.a. 2,200m) is, a beautiful forest recreation area known for its historic railway, misty woodlands, and panoramic sunrise views over the mountains. The cool, dense forests here are ideal for spotting endemics like the Taiwan Cupwing (E), Taiwan Shortwing (E) and sometimes Taiwan Barwing (E) along the road.

Overnight stay at Star Resort.

Day 08: Tataka - Yushan National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Yushan NP-Star Resort (900m)

Today, we head to Tataka (2,650m), located within Yushan National Park and known as the gateway to Jade Mountain (3,952m), the highest peak in Taiwan. This scenic area features several well-maintained hiking trails that pass through stunning high-altitude forests and grasslands. It’s also a fantastic birding site, with good chances of encountering species like the Taiwan Bush Robin (E) and secretive Golden Parrotbill (E). We also have a second chance to see the beautiful Mikado Pheasant (E). Enjoy birding and nature walks amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Overnight stay in the same place.

Day 09: Hengchun

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Fullerton Hotel Kenting

Today, we will leave the mountain area and head south. On the way, we will visit Guantien area, where is a freshwater wetland good for the Greater Painter-Snipe and the Pheasant-tailed Jacana (would be in non breeding plumage in Feb and Mar).

In the afternoon, we will explore Hengchun Township, located at the southernmost tip of Taiwan. This area is part of Kenting National Park, renowned for its tropical monsoon forests, rugged coral reef terrain, and rich biodiversity. Our main birding target here is the Styan's Bulbul (E), a regional specialty. The area also offers some opportunities to spot Whistling Green Pigeon (ES) and a variety of migratory birds that frequent the southern coasts.

Overnight stay in Hengchun.

Day 10: Hengchun - Tainan High Speed Rail station

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we will travel to Tainan HSR Station by 3:00 PM and begin our return journey to Taipei Airport via High-Speed Rail, aiming to reach before 6:00 PM. Before boarding, we’ll explore the nearby water caltrop fields, which are an excellent site to look for the Pheasant-tailed Jacana. Other notable targets in this area include the Oriental Pratincole, Barred Buttonquail, and the Ring-necked Pheasant (ES). This final birding stop offers a fitting end to our Taiwan nature journey. Trip Ends

Highlights

Discover Taiwan's rare and iconic endemic species in their natural habitats, providing a unique opportunity to observe birds found nowhere else in the world.
From coastal wetlands to lush mountain forests, this tour covers a variety of ecosystems, offering the chance to see both resident and migratory species in diverse settings.
Experience the incredible spectacle of migratory birds as they pass through Taiwan, with opportunities to observe large flocks of wintering shorebirds and waterfowl.
Delve into Taiwan's forested regions to search for rare and elusive forest birds that are difficult to find elsewhere, offering a rewarding challenge for birdwatchers.
Visit Taiwan’s most breathtaking birding hotspots, including mountainous national parks and scenic gorges, each offering stunning views and a variety of bird species.
Enjoy thrilling night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife, including some of Taiwan's most elusive mammals, providing an exciting and unique aspect to the birdwatching experience.
In addition to birdwatching, the tour offers a chance to explore Taiwan's vibrant wildlife, including a variety of fascinating mammals, insects, and other creatures.
Along with birding, enjoy Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and serene environments, ensuring a well-rounded travel experience that combines nature with local culture.

Service Included

Hotel accommodation from Day 0 to Day 9
Guide services, including guide and driver fees, their accommodations, and client support
Vehicle rental, fuel, parking charges, and tolls
Domestic transportation (flights or ferries, if applicable)
Entry fees to all sites and reserves included in the itinerary
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Local travel insurance, applicable taxes, and service charges