Taiwan Rosefinch
Carpodacus formosanus
Endemic to Taiwan's mountain forests, this is the only breeding rosefinch on the island. Male deep wine-red with a frosty white brow and dark wings. Female dark brown, finely streaked below. Usually forages low in the forest, in thickets or on the ground. In parks and near villages, often perches up on railings and trail markers.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Carpodacus formosanus
- Authority
- Ogilvie-Grant, 1911
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Carpodacus
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- OR : insular ne Oriental Region in montane forest edge and scrub: Taiwan
- Non-breeding range
- to lower elevations
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Spectacled Duck
Speculanas specularis
A handsome, generally uncommon, and rather shy duck of quiet vegetated lakes, forested rivers, and marshy wetlands; no similar species in range. Usually found in pairs or family groups, sometimes associating with other ducks but as often slightly separate. Sexes look alike with a bold white face patch (“spectacle”), a white collar, and orange legs. The large purplish or bronzy wing panel is often hidden when swimming (an old name for this bird was Bronze-winged Duck).
Tawny Lark
Galerida deva
A pale yellowish-brown lark with a long, spiky crest and a thick, short bill. The heavy streaking on the upperparts contrasts strongly with the rest of the plumage. Similar to the Malabar and Crested Larks, but Tawny is smaller, with minimal streaking on the breast, paler cheeks, and a different bill shape. It is found in dry, stony fields and grassland. Sings in flight with relaxed wingbeats. The song is extraordinarily rich, long, and continuous, including complex and effortless imitations of other species.
Buff-bellied Puffbird
Notharchus swainsoni
Uncommon chunky pied species, usually noticed perched motionless in the canopy of humid and lower montane forests. Note its sturdy bill, narrow white forehead, white breast with a narrow black collar, and buffy belly. Song is a descending series of whistles. No similar species in its range.
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