Of Taiwan's 14 endemic bird species, the smallest in size is the flamecrest (Regulus goodfellowi), which measures only eight or nine centimeters from head to tail. The ancestors of this pint-sized member of the family Sylviidae (the old-world warblers) came from cold northern lands. Biogeographical evidence shows that they first spread out northeastward from the Himalayas into northern and northeastern China and Japan, and later moved south during the ice ages, reaching Taiwan via southern China or Japan. After long years of evolution, today the flamecrest is only found in Taiwan, and is one of the world's rarest species.

Because by nature the flamecrest is adapted to more northerly climes, its range in Taiwan is confined to areas of medium and high elevation-more than 2000 meters above sea level. Living in the extensive and diverse forests of Taiwan's high mountains, the bird is extremely fastidious about its choice of a home, and only likes to roost and feed on a few species of coniferous trees. Travelers walking the trails of the Alishan, Hehuanshan or Hsuehshan mountain ranges, if they lift their heads to look up at the treetops and outer foliage of the Taiwan hemlock and Taiwan fir trees all around them, can often see little groups of flamecrests. Due to the bird's special fondness for fir trees, in the past it was also called the "fir-tree bird" in Taiwanese.

Flamecrests are gregarious creatures. They usually gather together in threes and fives, and often roost with other species such as the coal tit and nuthatch. For birdwatchers, flamecrests are the most "uppity" of birds. Amid the dark-green needle leaves of the coniferous trees, they continually flit about, busily pecking out seeds from fir and false cypress cones, which they supplement with various kinds of insect larvae. From time to time, they let out bursts of short calls, "see-see-see-see," on a single high-pitched note. The flamecrest's shrill call, which is quite unlike the bright, clear singing voices of most mountain birds, is often mistaken for the screech of an insect. Because of the way flamecrests briefly touch down when feeding, only to take off again in an instant and quickly move to another spot, birdwatchers describe them as the "guerrilla army" of the forest.

The dainty appearance of the lively and spirited flamecrest also makes it a favorite challenge for the photographer. Looking at the bird up close, it has a glossy black head, white cheeks, and black rings around its eyes surrounded by rings of white feathers, giving it quite a comical look. In sharp contrast to the distinct black and white of the head, its back, rump and breast are in various shades of olive green and yellow. The male and female birds have similar plumage, the only difference being that, as they chase each other through the trees, one can see a crest of orange feathers standing up on the top of the male's black head, whereas when the female is excited she lifts up a yellow crest.

The highly photogenic flamecrest not only embellishes Taiwan's majestic mountain scenery, but also provides excellent material for studying animal evolution and biogeography. According to ornithological research, today the flamecrest's closest cousin lives far away in Europe. The flamecrest and the many other species that are unique to Taiwan underline the island's importance as a laboratory for studying the natural world.

Guess who? Both male and female flamecrests cut an elegant dash--the only difference in their attire is in the color of the crests on the tops of their heads.

Birds make their homes in trees, but flamecrests are especially picky about their choice of a residence. Tall Taiwan hemlock and Taiwan fir are their favorite abodes.

Flamecrests are lively, spirited birds that rarely stay still for even a moment. Thus they present a present a particular challenge to the photographer.