Population
Estimated population is 6700 (2013) and decreasing.
Status NT
Genetic swamping through hybridisation with the introduced Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus), which is illegally imported as a cage bird, and habitat loss for agriculture and infrastructure development are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
Forages singly, in pairs or small groups in the understory.
Taiwan Hwamei (Garrulax taewanus) [XC692671]
by Kim Chuah Lim from Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area, Taiwan (song)
Taiwan Hwamei (Garrulax taewanus) [XC636972]
by Chi-Hsuan Shao from Taiwan, New Taipei City, Taiwan (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Garrulax canorus (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) and Taiwan Hwamei (Garrulax taewanus) following Collar (2006).
Formerly treated as conspecific with Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus), but differs significantly in plumage, morphometrics and genetics, and to some degree in voice.
Similar Species
Chinese Hwamei (Garrulax canorus) which is more rufous in colour and less heavily streaked.
References
See References.