Taiwan Whistling Thrush, 7/1/2012

Taiwan Whistling Thrush is common local bird in Taiwan. It's one of the Taiwan endemic subspecies. It usually appears on stream rocks, stream banks, under the trees or on tree branches. Its cry is sharp and long-lasting, like whistling. That's why they are called Whistling Thrush. You can hear it from distance. Its size is the largest among the Turdidae family in Taiwan, about the same size as Rock Dove. The whole bird is blackish purple-blue, with a shiny metal tone.


Photographed on 5/11/2011, at Wenshan District of Taipei City



Photographed on 5/11/2011, at Wenshan District of Taipei City



Photographed on 5/11/2011, at Wenshan District of Taipei City



Photographed on 7/1/2012, at Shiding District of New Taipei City



Video, recorded on 7/1/2012, at Shiding District of New Taipei City



Video, on 5/11/2012, at Wenshan District of Taipei City

Chinese name:	台灣紫嘯鶇
English name:	Taiwan Whistling Thrush, Formosan Whistling Thrush
Nickname:
Scientific name:	Myiophonus insularis
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Turdidae
Species status:	Taiwan endemic subspecies
Conservation status:	IUCN lists it as Least Concern, but Taiwan lists it as "Class III - Other Conservation-Deserving Wildlife".
Migration status:	Taiwan local bird
Frequency of appearance:	Common in Taiwan
Foods:	insects
Habitat:	Woodlands, streams, creeks
Altitude:	Low to Mid-altitudes
Behavior:	Often appear alone in streams, creeks, woodlands.
Characteristics:	General Characteristics: About 17 to 32 cm long. Largest among the Turdidae family in Taiwan. Male plumage and female plumage are about the same. The whole bird is blackly purple-blue, with a shiny metal tone. Bill and feet are black. Iris is red. Its cry is sharp and long, like whistling. Summer Plumage: Winter Plumage: Similar species:
Breeding places:	China, Taiwan.
Migration destinations:
Time photographed:	5/11/2011, 7/1/2012
Location found:	Wenshan District of Taipei City, Shiding District of New Taipei City
Sources:	Internet
Notes: