Garrulax taewanus Swinhoe, 1859

Taxonomic Classification

The Taiwan hwamei (Garrulax taewanus) is a passerine bird that belongs to the family Leiothrichidae.

Discovery and Endemism

This species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1859, and it is endemic to the island of Taiwan.

Taxonomic History

It was previously classified as a subspecies of the Chinese hwamei (Garrulax canorus), but has since been recognized as a separate species.

Divergence Estimate

Estimates indicate it diverged from the Chinese hwamei roughly 1.5 million years ago.

Size

It reaches approximately 24 centimeters in total length.

Plumage Characteristics

Its plumage is primarily grey-brown, with heavy streaking across the crown, nape and back, and fine streaking across most of its underparts.

Plumage Comparison to Chinese Hwamei

Unlike the Chinese hwamei, it does not have the characteristic white eye markings; Chinese hwamei are also more rufous in overall color and have less heavy streaking than the Taiwan hwamei.

Vocalization

Its song consists of long, melodious, varied whistles.

Habitat

It lives in secondary woodland found in foothills and lower mountain areas, up to 1,200 meters above sea level.

Foraging Behavior and Diet

It forages alone, in pairs, or in small groups, searching through the understorey to feed on insects and seeds.

Population Trend and Size

Its population is currently declining, and numbers are estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 mature individuals.

Conservation Status

BirdLife International classifies this species as near threatened.

Threats

While habitat loss may impact its population size, the primary threat it faces is hybridization with introduced populations of the Chinese hwamei.