The banded broadbill is a species of bird in the typical broadbill family Eurylaimidae found in Mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands. It is sometimes split into two species, one including only the nominate subspecies, E. j. javanicus, and one including all the remaining subspecies. It inhabits a variety of forests, along with forest edge, rubber plantations and Falcataria falcata groves, mainly in lowland areas. A striking, large-bodied bird with a length of 21.5–23.0 cm (8.5–9.1 in), it is unlikely to be mistaken for another species. The broadbill is mostly purplish-red, with yellow-streaked black wings, a bright blue beak, a blackish face and greyish chin and upper breast. Females can be told apart from males by their lack of a black neckband, although these are indistinct in Bornean and Javan males. Despite its conspicuous appearance, the bird is usually hard to see due to its sluggishness and is usually only noticed when it vocalises.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from mainland Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia) to the Greater Sundas (Sumatra, Borneo, Java) and adjacent islands. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, peat-swamp forest, and riverine forest. The species also uses forest edges, selectively logged forest, rubber and mixed plantations, and Falcataria groves where canopy cover persists. It generally keeps to the mid- to upper canopy, perching quietly along shaded branches. Local presence is tied to intact tree cover and proximity to watercourses for nesting sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A striking forest bird of Southeast Asia, the banded broadbill is noted for its massive sky-blue bill and deep maroon-and-black plumage with yellow-streaked wings. It often sits quietly in the mid-canopy and is more often heard than seen, giving loud whistles and insect-like rattles. Pairs build large, hanging, purse-shaped nests suspended over water or open gaps. It sometimes joins mixed-species flocks while foraging.
E. j. javanicus
Adult from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo showing the markings on the wings and back
Adult banded broadbill feeding juvenile in Sabah
Temperament
quiet and sluggish, often motionless
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently associates with mixed-species canopy flocks. Breeding pairs construct large, hanging, purse-like nests suspended over streams or clearings using fibers, moss, and leaves. Both sexes participate in nest building and incubation, and they defend a small territory around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, far-carrying whistles and ringing 'piuu' or 'keow' notes, often delivered in series. It also produces mechanical, insect-like rattles and trills that can reveal its presence when it is hidden in foliage.
Plumage
Rich purplish-maroon body with a blackish head and mantle; wings black with bold yellow streaking; greyish chin and upper breast. Males show a black breast band (reduced or indistinct in some island forms); tail dark with pale tips. Bill is massive and laterally flattened, bright sky-blue with darker culmen; bare bluish facial skin may be present.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as beetles, katydids, cicadas, mantids, and caterpillars, gleaned from foliage or snapped up in short sallies. It will also seize spiders and occasionally small vertebrates. Fruits, especially figs and other soft berries, are eaten opportunistically, making the species partly frugivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of mature and secondary forests, along edges, and above streams. It also feeds in shaded plantations and groves that retain tall trees and connected canopy.
