The black-and-red broadbill is a species of bird in the typical broadbill family, Eurylaimidae. It is the only species in the genus Cymbirhynchus. A large, distinctive bird, it has maroon underparts, black upperparts, a maroon neck-band, and white bars on the wings. It also has a large, two-colored, blue-and-yellow bill. The species shows slight sexual dimorphism, with females being smaller than males. No other bird in its range resembles it, though the black-and-yellow broadbill has a similar call.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from southern Myanmar and Thailand through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and south through the Malay Peninsula to Singapore. It is widespread on Sumatra, Borneo, and nearby smaller islands, and occurs in Brunei and parts of Indonesia within that range. The species favors lowland habitats, especially along rivers, swamp-forest margins, and flooded forests. It is closely tied to riparian corridors and dense secondary growth near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This broadbill is unmistakable with its oversized, two-toned blue-and-yellow bill and striking black-and-maroon plumage. It often places a large, hanging, purse-shaped nest over water, which likely helps deter predators. Pairs maintain territories along forested waterways and may duet with mellow, piping calls. Despite its bold colors, it can be surprisingly unobtrusive in dense riverine vegetation.
In Kaeng Krachan, Thailand
Black-and-red broadbills roosting in a group in eastern Sabah
A nesting black-and-red broadbill in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Borneo
C. m. siamensis carrying nesting material in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, often in pairs
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups along streams and forest edges. Builds a large, pendulous, domed nest of plant fibers suspended over water; both sexes participate in construction and incubation. Clutches typically contain 2–3 eggs, and pairs defend riparian territories during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of mellow, whistled, piping notes given in short series, sometimes as a duet between mates. Calls include soft nasal and buzzing notes; the overall tone can resemble the black-and-yellow broadbill.
