It has been more than 10 years since GGBA has visited Taiwan. It’s time to check out this birding wonderland again. Taiwan does not register high on most birder’s destination list but this is a shame because Taiwan is one of Asia’s most rewarding and diverse birdwatching destinations, offering an exceptional combination of endemic species, spectacular mountain birds, subtropical forest habitats and internationally important wetlands. Despite its relatively small size, the island’s geographic isolation, mountainous terrain and varied climatic zones have allowed numerous species to evolve independently. The 2023 Taiwan bird checklist recognizes 32 endemic species and 52 endemic subspecies, an impressive concentration for an island of its size. In total, approximately 687 species have been recorded across Taiwan and its associated islands. For a serious birder, the opportunity to photograph Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe’s Pheasant, Taiwan Blue Magpie, Flamecrest and Fairy Pitta on the same trip is a compelling reason to put Taiwan high on your list of Asian birding destinations. 

In addition to the lowland forest and highland regions of the main island we’ll have a day of pelagic birding off the northeast coast as well as an overnight visit to Lanyu Island, off the southeast coast, for the opportunity to see the Lanyu Scops Owl and the Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher and other species that visit Lanyu.

Among the highlights of the highlands are the spectacular Mikado Pheasant and Swinhoe’s Pheasant, two magnificent mountain-dwelling species that are high on the wish list of visiting birders. Other desirable species include Taiwan Blue Magpie, Taiwan Yuhina, Taiwan Barbet, Flamecrest and Taiwan Bush-Warbler.

The lowland areas hold the Taiwan Whistling Thrush, Taiwan Scimitar-Babbler and Taiwan Bulbul, along with numerous Asian flycatchers, minivets, laughingthrushes and warblers and we’ve timed the trip to have the best opportunity to see the Fairy Pitta.

Beyond the birds themselves, Taiwan is an exceptionally comfortable destination for birding. It has excellent infrastructure, reliable transportation, good accommodation, well-maintained nature reserves and a strong local birdwatching community. The combination of accessibility, habitat diversity and outstanding endemic birdlife makes it possible to enjoy productive birding without undertaking particularly demanding travel.

We’ll have exceptional species diversity, numerous endemics, spectacular scenery, excellent photographic opportunities, rich cultural heritage and excellent food. This will be a memorable trip to add to your birding archives.  

Pricing as of 11/2/2026, subject to adjustment; final prices will be locked on May 8, 2027)

At bottom: 5 participants        $4341.00 per person double occupancy

At top: 10 participants                $3576.00 per person double occupancy

Single supplement      $840 per person

Deposit will be 30% of cost due on Nov 1, 2027

Balance due Feb 1, 2028

Pricing includes: 1 day of pelagic birding; ferry and accommodation for overnight on Lanyu Island. Accommodations on Lanyu Island are described as simple local guesthouses and the group may be split between two inns depending on number of participants.

Price also includes personal day-use rooms at the airport for showering, re-packing and relaxing before your return flight.