Pycnonotus taivanus is endemic to Taiwan. It is found in eastern Taiwan in the coastal plains and hills of Haulien county and Taitung county, in the Huatung valley and as far west as Litao and north to Chungta and Hojen, in southern Taiwan at Hengchun and Kenting in southern Pingtung county, and as far north as Fangshan and Fengkang on the south-west coast of Taiwan.]