The black-browed babbler is a songbird species in the family Pellorneidae. The species is endemic to Borneo. Only a single specimen collected in the nineteenth century was known, until the species was rediscovered in Borneo in 2020.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen and peat-swamp forests with dense understory, thickets, and tangles near streams. Prefers shadowy, humid microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs. Often keeps close to the ground or in the lower shrub layer, moving unobtrusively through cover. Extremely local and patchy, with records from southern Borneo and likely other suitable lowland forest tracts on the island.
Altitude Range
0–600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive babbler was known from a single 19th‑century specimen until its dramatic rediscovery in 2020 in South Kalimantan, Borneo. It inhabits dense, lowland forest undergrowth and is notoriously hard to observe, often detected only by brief views or vocalizations. Its rediscovery highlights the conservation importance of remaining lowland forests on Borneo.
The rediscovered bird next to a 5.000 rupiah note.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct through understory
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family parties. Forages close to the ground, flicking through leaf litter and probing tangles. Breeding behavior is poorly known but likely involves monogamous pairs nesting low in dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear, whistled phrases and sharp scolding calls delivered from concealed perches. Song is brief and sporadic, often given at dawn or during quiet forest periods.
