Formosan yuhina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taiwan yuhina |
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| A pair photographed at the Dasyueshan National Forest | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Yuhina
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| Species: |
brunneiceps
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The Taiwan yuhina (Yuhina brunneiceps), also known as the Formosan yuhina, is a small songbird. This special bird lives only on the island of Taiwan. It is a very active and friendly bird.
Contents
What is a Taiwan Yuhina?
The Taiwan yuhina is a small bird, about 12 to 13 centimeters long. That's about the length of your hand! It has a cool chocolate-brown crest on its head. It also has a black stripe, like a beard, that goes down from its beak.
Its back, wings, and tail are a dark ash-brown color. The feathers on its lower chest are lighter. Even though it looks like other yuhinas, its unique colors make it easy to spot.
Where Do Taiwan Yuhinas Live?
These birds live in the hill forests of Taiwan. You can find them at high places, from about 1,000 to 3,200 meters above sea level. They are most common between 1,500 and 2,500 meters high. In winter, they might fly down to lower areas.
Taiwan yuhinas love to be with other birds. They are very active and not shy around people. They often join groups of other bird species, like tits, to find food together. When they are feeding in groups, they make a soft, constant chattering sound.
What Do Taiwan Yuhinas Eat?
The Taiwan yuhina's main food is nectar from flowers. They also eat berries, other parts of flowers, and small insects. Sometimes, you might see them hanging upside down on cherry trees to reach their food!
They especially love the flowers of the Chinese tulip tree. They also enjoy the fruits from trees in the family Elaeagnaceae and the Idesia genus.
During their breeding season, which is from May to June, their diet changes a bit. In places like Nantou County, they mostly eat nectar and fruits from Taiwan cherry trees. They also enjoy fruits from eastern debregeasia plants and nectar from a type of mistletoe called Taxillus lonicerifolius.
Sounds of the Taiwan Yuhina
The call of the Taiwan yuhina sounds a bit like "twi-MI-chiu." Some people think it sounds like the phrase "We MEET you." It's a fun way to remember their unique song!
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The breeding season for the Taiwan yuhina happens in the spring and early summer. This is from May to June. During this time, they will build nests and raise their young.
