Malaysian Birds
Banded Broadbill
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Size & diagnostic markings:- 22Cm. This is a very colorful Broadbill. First, the prominent call will ID this species. Then it has a habit of appearing on visible branches, usually in middle storey. More often in one or two positions before flying off deeper into the jungle. The upper part of this broadbill is dark maroon with large patches of bright yellow markings. It has the similar dull maroon head. The under part has a varying shades of brighter maroon. These marking also appear on the blackish brown wings. The broad yellow band s appears on the wings in flight Distribution :- The bird is resident in the Greater Sundas Habitats & preferences:- The bird prefers thick forest in the lowlands but also appear near sub-montane environment if the area has fairly moist forest such as a stream nearby. I do not have that much experiences with the Banded Broadbill. I mean, I am still waiting for the chance to watch them nesting or feeding. This bird presence in an designated area is very much marked by sounds of its rolling call - actually calls made by both birds in harmony. A very common sound in the forest. I would say that the frequency of hearing that calls would be as high as 80% of the occasions that I am in the forested area. It created such a lasting impression. When I compared these calls with the series of single note calls by other Broadbills, I would say that the incidence is so high that I would deduced that Banded Broadbill is the most vocal among birds. Could it be a fact that this is one species of Broadbill that is most common. When you have chance to make a special note of how often you had hear that call, then you may even agree with me. They seemed to be around, always. Very comforting as well especially when you are out on a day of birding trip. Hearing that call means there might be a chance of meeting up with a quality bird for that day.
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