For birding in Taiwan, we recommend a local field guide or the simple pairing of eBird and Merlin. Here are our suggestions.
Our first choice for Taiwan
A Field Guide to the Birds of Taiwan
This is the book we recommend most for a Taiwan birding trip. The English edition focuses on Taiwan’s birds, with illustrations, identification notes, habitat information and distribution maps.
It can be difficult to find through online booksellers. If you are joining one of our tours, ask us in advance about arranging a copy for your arrival.
Other books to consider
Birds of East Asia
Mark Brazil’s regional guide is generally easier to obtain internationally and is a useful option if you already have it. The edition dates from 2009, so bear its age in mind when comparing names and taxonomy with current bird lists.
Birds of China
Liu Yang and Chen Shuihua’s English-language guide in the Princeton Field Guides series is another useful reference. It covers nearly 1,500 species, with colour illustrations and distribution maps. For a trip focused on Taiwan, we still recommend the Taiwan guide as your main book.
A simple digital option: eBird + Merlin
We also recommend using eBird together with Merlin. Use eBird to explore birding locations and keep a record of your observations, and Merlin Bird ID for identification help and a handy bird reference on your phone.
It is an easy way to get started, whether or not you bring a printed field guide. If you are unsure about an identification, ask your guide before adding it to your checklist.
Getting the Taiwan guide
For our tour guests
Order a copy for NT$1,000, delivered on the first morning of your tour with no postage. Tell us in advance so we can have it ready.
Postal orders & shipping rates
The book price is NT$1,200, plus postage. The following regional postage rates are in New Taiwan dollars.
| Region | Postage |
|---|---|
| Asia | NT$900 |
| Europe | NT$1,300 |
| North America | NT$1,600 |
| Oceania | NT$1,200 |
These are regional rates, not a live postage quote. They allow for packaging and the billed shipping weight so we do not need to ask for an extra payment later. We confirm the amount before payment for multiple copies, remote addresses or destinations outside these regions.
Contact us to order. Please give the number of copies and destination country; we will confirm delivery details privately.