Alternative name: Taiwan Sibia
- Heterophasia auricularis
Identification
23cm. Black crown, white lore, eye ring and eyestripe, grey throat, breast and upper back, pink cinnamon underparts, orange rufous lower back, rump, and uppertail coverts, black tail tipped white, brown iris, black bill, pink legs.
Distribution
Endemic to Taiwan.
Restricted-range species, but not threatened. Common in part of its range, for example in Yushan National Park.1
Taxonomy
Monotypic.1, 2
Some authorities have placed this species in the genus Malacias.1
Habitat
Evergreen oak forests, also mixed broadleaf-coniferous forest, forest edge and clearings. In summer between 1200m and 3000m, in winter down to 700m (200m in harsh winters).1
Behaviour
Feeds mainly on insects and nectar. Takes also acorns, berries, fruits and seeds. Forages in middle to upper storeys, mainly in canopy.
Seen singly, in pairs or small groups. A very active bird, not at all shy.
Breeding season from April to May. The nest is placed in the canopy.
Resident species with some altitudinal movement.1
References
- del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Christie, D.A. eds. 2007. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 12. Picathartes to Tits and Chickadees. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 84-96553-42-6
- Clements James F. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ISBN 9780801445019
