“This lovely medium sized babbler, Taiwan Barwing (Actinodura morrisoniana), is found at the higher mountain altitudes 1,700 to 2,800 meters ASL (Avifauna of Taiwan, 2nd edition).
“There are some concerns with numbers and it may be vulnerable, but the recovery of the habitat argues well for the species.
“Often in a small flock as part of a mix foraging party.
“We saw it with White-whiskered Laughingthrushs (Garrulax morrisonianus) and Flamecrests (Regulus goodfellowi). Feeds on berries and insects.
“While we were pleasantly distracted watching one of these groups, a small raptor (probably an Accipiter) took the opportunity to swoop down over our shoulder and attack the party of barwings. As far as we were aware none were captured but the resultant vocal distress was loud HERE (also see below).
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
20th December 2015
Location: Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, Heping District, Taiwan
Habitat: 2,500 meters ASL, forested region