Scientific Name: Yuhina brunneiceps
Common Name: Taiwan Yuhina
Chinese name: 冠羽畫眉

~~ Introduction ~~
The Taiwan Yuhina is endemic to Taiwan. It is found in mountainous areas at 1000 to 3000 meters. It is generally active in the middle and upper levels of broadleaf forest and mixed broadleaf and conifer forest, often leaping from branch to branch. Its food is mainly nectar, fruits and insects. Its characteristic features are a spiky crested crown on the top of the head and a curved black line that extends from the base of the bill to the neck.

~~ Morphological Characteristics ~~
From the front to the back of the head is a crown. The anterior portion of the crown is russet and the posterior portion is white.  The body is mostly olive gray. The belly is light yellow or white. The throat and breast are streaked with black. Chestnut brown feathers are mixed in in the midsection of the belly and among the undertail coverts. From the base of the lower bill, past the side of the throat, to behind the ear coverts is a curved black line. The wings and tail are brown. The bill is black and the legs are yellowish brown.

Total length: 120 mm
Bill length:  9～12 mm
Wing length: 57～64.5 mm
Tail length: 41.5~48 mm

~~ Ecology and Behavior ~~
The Taiwan Yuhina is gregarious and most often seen in groups of about 10 birds. Its activity area is mostly the middle and upper levels of forests and it is often seen leaping from branch to branch. Its diet includes nectar, fruits and insects. It is sometimes found in mixed flocks with other bird species such as the Grey-cheeked Fulvetta, Green-backed Tit and Black-throated Tit. Breeding season begins in March or April and ends in August or September. It usually builds its nest in trees where there is a density of branches. Materials used to build the bowl-shaped nest include moss, ferns, silver grass and roots. The thread of spider webs is used to fix the nest in place on the branch. Ferns are used as lining. The nest generally measures about 90-100mm in width, 45-60mm in height, 50-60mm in diameter and 35-40mm in depth. The eggs are light green or blue with yellowish brown stains mostly concentrated at the blunt end forming a ring or radiating pattern. On average, eggs measure 18 x 14mm in size. Clutch size varies from 4-8 eggs. The Taiwan Yuhina is a cooperative breeder. Several breeding birds may share a nest, as well as responsibilities for defense of the territory. Such groups may vary in size from 3-8 birds, but groups of 4 birds are most commonly seen.

Habitat distribution:
The Taiwan Yuhina is endemic to Taiwan. It is found in mountainous areas at 1000 to 3000 meters. It is generally active in the middle and upper levels of broadleaf forest and mixed broadleaf and conifer forest. During periods of severe weather in winter, this bird will move to areas of lower elevation.

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