eBird is the world's largest bird observation database. Since launching its Traditional Chinese portal in 2015, eBird Taiwan has grown into a cornerstone of the global birding community. Jointly operated by the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute (TBRI) and the Taiwan Wild Bird Federation (TWBF), the platform has connected thousands of bird enthusiasts, inspired public participation in citizen science, and accumulated invaluable ecological data. These efforts have made lasting contributions to Taiwan’s ornithological research and conservation landscape.

A Gateway to the Global Birding Community

eBird’s journey in Taiwan began in 2010 with a single email to the platform's global headquarters. By 2015, the Traditional Chinese-language portal officially launched, offering birders in Taiwan a dedicated gateway to the global birding community. Featuring a localized interface and an expanding map of birdwatching hotspots, the platform made it easier than ever for bird enthusiasts to participate.

Over the past decade, eBird Taiwan has continued to expand. It has integrated key national datasets such as the Taiwan Breeding Bird Survey and the Taiwan Bird Record Database. It has also introduced the Merlin Taiwan Bird Pack and organized creative community challenges that have engaged a broad audience. Each initiative has deepened public engagement and enhanced data quality, strengthening both local and global birding networks.

The growth has been remarkable, with the number of eBird Taiwan users rising from 1,000 to over 10,000 over the past decade. Taiwan now ranks seventh globally in checklist submissions, with over 1.38 million checklists recorded. These achievements reflect not only growing public interest but also the project's scientific value in understanding bird populations, migration, and environmental change.

To mark the occasion, Ian Owens, Executive Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, visited Taiwan and shared remarks recognizing the country’s active role in global citizen science. He said, “In the world of birdwatching, Taiwan is a beacon of excellence, shining a light on what is possible to do with new technologies and a dedicated community working together towards a shared vision. He continued, “Behind all the data is an extraordinary community of people, working together to gather data and make it useful to decision-makers. As a result of that effort, Taiwan has some of the best environmental data in the world.”

Image: Dr. Ian Owens, Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A Major Contributor to Taiwan’s Biodiversity Knowledge

Today, eBird Taiwan contributes the largest volume of biodiversity open data in the country, accounting for approximately 60 percent of Taiwan’s open-access biodiversity data. This extensive database provides vital insights into bird distribution, population trends, migration routes, and correlations with climate and environmental changes. It serves as a key resource for assessing the Red List of the Birds of Taiwan, identifying Important Bird Areas, and conducting ecological and environmental impact assessments.

Beyond data collection, eBird Taiwan empowers users through a suite of powerful tools. These include interactive bird distribution queries, maps of birding locations, and digital resources that integrate text, images, and sound. The platform also supports real-time bird identification through the Merlin Bird ID App—an AI-powered tool that now recognizes more than 200 commonly seen species in Taiwan. These tools not only enhance the experience for birdwatchers but also lower the barriers to participation, making biodiversity monitoring more inclusive and effective.

The Taiwan Bird Atlas Project: Building a Nationwide Survey

To further expand data coverage and support conservation planning, TBRI and TWBF launched the Taiwan Bird Atlas Project in 2023. The project aims to complete Taiwan’s first comprehensive nationwide bird survey by 2030, with a focus on monitoring breeding bird populations. It will generate high-resolution data on species distribution and breeding patterns, offering a more accurate basis for long-term ecological research and conservation strategies.

Corporate Partnership with TSMC for Sustainable Impact

Since 2024, the Atlas project has received financial backing from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC) through its “Eco Plus! Ecological Harmony Program.” The program supports field surveys across 90 percent of designated areas and aims to train over 3,000 citizen bird scientists. So far, birdwatchers have already visited 85 percent of the targeted areas, reflecting a high level of community involvement.

TSMC is also supporting the further development of the Merlin Bird ID App, enabling it to recognize Taiwanese bird calls with greater accuracy and broadening its usefulness for both new and experienced birders. Currently, Merlin is capable of identifying over 250 bird species in Taiwan. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ecological sustainability through community-based science.

Join the Movement: A New Era of Bird Conservation

As eBird Taiwan marks this 10-year milestone, it continues to evolve as more than just a data platform. It has become a vibrant hub where people share their passion for birds, grow their knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to ecosystem protection. Every eBirder who contributes to the project plays a vital role in keeping Taiwan’s avian heritage visible and valued on the global stage.

eBird Taiwan invites the public to join the Taiwan Bird Atlas Project and take part in shaping the future of bird conservation. Every checklist and observation contributes to building the most comprehensive ecological baseline for Taiwan’s bird species.

Image: Group Photo of the Guests and Representatives of the eBird Taiwan Team

For details on how to participate, please visit the official eBird Taiwan website:
https://ebird.org/region/TW