Taiwan Fulvetta Fulvetta formosana formerly was considered conspecific with Grey-hooded Fulvetta F. cinereiceps and Manipur Fulvetta F. manipurenesis. HABITAT & BEHAVIOR Endemic to mountains of Taiwan, to 3000 m (9,840 ft.). Forages noisily and actively in undergrowth in broadleaf and coniferous forests and bamboo thickets. Feeds primarily on insects. Usually in small flocks. ID & COMPARISON Most of head, mantle, and breast dull brown, with brownish lateral crown stripes. Throat and upper breast have heavy dusky streaking. Ear coverts may be lightly streaked. Has pale irides and white eye-ring. Longish tail, rump, vent, and wings mostly rufous-brown, with white edging to black primaries. Chinese Fulvetta F. striaticollis has whitish belly, grey-black throat streaking (even on crown), and distinct black lores and lacks white eye-ring. Manipur Fulvetta is greyer and lacks white eye-ring. Spectacled Fulvetta F. ruficapilla is greyer (with contrasting rufous or brown crown), lacks brown throat streaking, and has dark irides. Brown-throated Fulvetta F. ludlowi has more vinous-brown head and throat streaking contrasting with grey-brown breast and mantle; irides darker. BARE PARTS Bill grey; feet pinkish-brown. VOICE Squeaky contact calls and clear, two-note whistle.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daniel Bengtsson served as chief ornithological consultant for Craig Brelsford’s Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of China, from which this species description is drawn.
