Sicao Wildlife Refuge

Sicao Wildlife Refuge spans 543 hectares of estuarine wetlands and mangrove forests that serve as essential habitats for more than 200 bird species. The area comprises three distinct zones, each offering different environments and viewing opportunities for visitors.

The refuge was established in 1994 as one of Taiwan's protected areas. Its name comes from either a local grass plant or from an ancient water body that once occupied the region.

The refuge holds meaning for the local community as it preserves traditional fishing grounds and sustains the natural rhythm of life in the region. The wetlands and mangroves form part of the everyday landscape where residents depend on the ecological balance for their livelihoods.

Access to the three zones is easiest via Provincial Highway 17, which runs through the protected area. Bird watching is most rewarding in early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active.

The refuge hosts roughly 100 breeding pairs of Black-winged Stilts each year, making it one of Taiwan's most significant nesting sites for this species. These long-legged birds return reliably to breed in the wetlands season after season.