Birds in Taiwan

Endemic Species

Collared Bush-Robin

Flamecrest

Formosan Magpie

Formosan Whistling-Thrush

Mikado Pheasant

Steere's Liocichla

Styan's Bulbul

Swinhoe's Pheasant

Taiwan Barwing

Taiwan Bush-Warbler

Taiwan Partridge

Taiwan Yuhina

White-eared Sibia

White-whiskered Laughingthrush

Yellow Tit

Endemic Sub-Species

Alpine Accentor

Black-browed Barbet

Black-naped Monarch

Black Bulbul

Black Drongo

Daurian Redstart

Phoenicurus auroreus

The male Daurian Redstart is a small (15 cm), colourful bird with brownish-black face, back, throat and wings, and bright rufous underparts.  The crown and nape are grey with silvery edges.  There is a prominent white wing patch, and the central tail feathers are blackish, the rest of the tail being rufous.  The female is brownish overall, with a white wing patch, and rufous tail with dark brownish central feathers.  The bill and feet are black.

The Daurian Redstart feeds on insects, berries and seeds.  It often perches prominently in the open and vibrates its tail.  Its calls include a high-pitched sharp “tsip”, a “teck teck” in alarm, and a rattling “titititik”.  The Daurian Redstart breeds in Siberia, northeast China, Tibet and Mongolia.  It is a common winter resident in most parts of Taiwan, from low to medium elevations, including secondary forest, clearings, gardens, and open areas near settlements.

References:  A Field Guide to the Birds of China (Mackinnon and Phillipps);  Handbook of Birds of the World Vol. 10