Taiwan Whistling-Thrush Myophonus insularis Scientific name definitions

Taiwan.

Ground and lower storeys of dense broadleaf evergreen forest, with bamboo; near gulleys with water. Mainly 400–2100 m, occasionally higher; sometimes down to sea-level in N. Recorded recently in urban locations, nesting in buildings (1 Walther, B.A. (2015). Two unusual nest-sites of the Taiwan Whistling Thrush Myophonus insularis: part of a trend towards urbanisation? BirdingASIA. 24: 122–125. Close ).

Apr–Jul. Nest of moss, dead twigs, stems and roots, lined with finer material, placed in cavity among rocks, sometimes up to 12 m above ground in tree; nests found also in bridges (2 Fang, J.-R. and Wang, Y. (2002). Environmental characteristics of bridges selected by nesting Formosan Whistling Thrush (Myiophoneus insularis). BioFormosa 37(1): 17–23. Close ) and buildings (1 Walther, B.A. (2015). Two unusual nest-sites of the Taiwan Whistling Thrush Myophonus insularis: part of a trend towards urbanisation? BirdingASIA. 24: 122–125. Close ). Eggs 2–4, yellowish-pink to light pinky-buff with variable reddish-brown and greyish-lavender markings; incubation period 12–14 days; no further information.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Restricted-range species: present in Taiwan EBA. Reasonably common and widespread, mainly in lower-lying forests.