Malaysian Birds Black&Red Broadbill
|
Size & diagnostic markings:- 24 Cm. This bird appears much larger and easier to see. It comes out in the open, meaning perched on spots that are near and clearly visible. During mating period in pairs too. The Black & Red Broadbill may appears like the size of an ordinary Bulbul bird while the Banded like that of a Flycatcher, though this bird is generally the same size as the Banded. The crown and the band at the neck with the upper part is black. The face and the rest of the under part is dark maroon. A long white streak run from front to end of wing then the very prominent upper mandible is bright turquoise while the lower mandible in yellow. Distribution :- The bird is resident in the Islands of Sumatra and Borneo Habitats & preferences:- This a lowland forest bird, not forest edge nor open country bird as it stays mainly in the deep forest while its nest is constructed in open view more often than not, above water. This is a very distinctive bird with its bright maroon color and turquoise-blue bill. Very prominently broad as compared to other birds. In actual fact, there is no need for a look out for further diagnostic markings, like the broad black band across the neck or long white streak along the wing. If needed more confirmations, then compare this bird with the Banded broadbill which is also maroon but with bright yellow patches. The Red & Black Broadbill has no yellow marking at all. In the field, both birds are unmistakable and easily distinguished from one another. This is a very common bird in the undisturbed lowland forest. With rapid development and the fact that this bird do come to the forest edge, it is not surprising to have them very close to areas with humans habitats. Lately I am following through a few couples living in the compound of FRIM in Selangor. Here there was an endless stream of workers were moving around their chores, yet the birds were constructing nest in the ponds, one after another. The nests, at least 2 of them were destroyed or had fallen down. New one sprung up. I have now seen the fact about the bird's preferences place with water as nesting sites. The birds were seen in area next to a pond or river. On quite few occasions I had seen nests built in the middle of the a pond or nest over hanging the water's edge.
|
