Taylor had previously scored only three goals in two seasons
Ryan Taylor scored a goal in each half to hand Wigan a vital win in their bid for survival and leave Birmingham teetering above the relegation zone.
The 23-year-old lashed Antonio Valencia's cross past Maik Taylor as the hosts took a richly deserved lead.
Shortly before half-time Birmingham's Damien Johnson was sent off for a lunge on Kevin Kilbane, who recovered to hit a shot against the post moments later.
After the break Wigan's Taylor stabbed in from close range to seal the points.
The result sees Steve Bruce's men leapfrog Reading and break eight points clear of the drop zone.
Birmingham remain in deep trouble, however, and just four points separates them from third-bottom Bolton.
And with any more performances like this from their final five games, they could be heading for an immediate return to the Championship.
Despite their precarious position coming into the game, Wigan showed little sign of relegation jitters and their electric start left Birmingham looking shell-shocked.
Blues boss Alex McLeish had spoken about how determined Bruce would be to overcome his former club, who he was facing for the first time since his acrimonious departure in November.
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Interview: Wigan's Ryan Taylor