This habitat is usually found above 3,000 meters in elevation. Short
bamboo or a wide diversity of wild flowers grow on these grassy slopes.
During the coldest months of the year, this area is often covered with
snow. Very few birds are found exclusively in this habitat, since many
of them are also found below 3,000 meters of elevation. However, many of
these birds are more easily seen on these open fields rather than dense
forests of slightly lower elevations or the tall grasses below. One bird
that is usually limited to this zone is the Alpine Accentor. The best place
to see this bird is at Wu-Ling near Hohuanshan, the highest point on the
new Central Cross-island Highway. Here these birds have become accustomed
to human handouts, and will fearlessly pose for views within an arm's reach.
Except for migrants, nearly all of the birds found in this habitat are
endemic species or subspecies. The best season for birding in this habitat
is spring and summer when the blooming wild flowers form a colorful meadow
in some areas. Winter is too cold and many of the birds descend to lower
elevations.
...and numerous hawks and passerines during migration season.
